A heart-wrenching case that has left a village in Madhya Pradesh’s Satna district in shock. Here, a 18-year-old boy was arrested on Monday for allegedly raping his 4-year-old cousin. The incident occurred in a remote village under the jurisdiction of Uchehra police station, about 33 km from the district headquarters.

Minor went to pick Jamun

According to police officials, the crime took place around 1 PM when the girl was out picking jamun (black plum) near her home. The accused, who is a close family member, reportedly lured the child by telling her about another tree with sweeter fruits. Trusting his elder cousin, the child followed him to a secluded area near the railway tracks in the village.

Upon reaching there, the teen boy allegedly raped the child. However, her cries for help were heard by a group of women working in nearby fields. When they rushed to the spot, the accused fled the scene. He left the terrified and injured child behind. The woman immediately brought the girl back to her home, where she told her parents what had happened.

18-year-old Accused arrested

Following this, the family informed the police later in the day, and officers from Uchehra police station acted swiftly to apprehend the accused. Superintendent of Police Ashutosh Gupta confirmed the arrest and stated that the child was taken to the district hospital. Doctors reported that she sustained minor injuries and is currently out of danger.

“The accused is from her own family. He is not a minor. As soon as we received information, a case was registered, and police teams were dispatched. In the meantime, the survivor was also sent for treatment. The accused has been arrested, and further investigations are ongoing,” said SP Satna, Ashutosh Gupta.

Case registered under POCSO

He added, “The accused has been booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. This includes section 137 (2) (kidnapping), 65 (2) (rape of minors below 12 years of age), and relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for the rape of a minor under 12 years of age.”

Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing, and police officials have assured that strict action will be taken. The horrifying incident has sparked outrage in the local community. The incident has raised fresh concerns over child safety. Locals call for the need of stronger vigilance and preventive measures in rural areas.