Juvenile cousin rapes 5-yr-old, girl battles for life in Chhattisgarh

Raipur: A five-year-old girl was raped by a 14-year-old juvenile cousin on pretext of playing with her in Korba district of Chhattisgarh. The boy was detained by the police after he fled the spot when he was caught by his mother.

The parents of the girl are in shock and the minor is under treatment at the hospital. Theshocking incident has left the local community reeling and anguished. The incident occurred in Katghora region, where the accused lured the girl to an under-construction house under the pretext of playing together. According to police, the accused, a distant relative of the victim, was caught in the act by his mother, who is eight months pregnant.

Upon witnessing the crime, she raised an alarm, causing the boy to flee the scene with his clothes, leaving the girl in a distressing state with bloodstains. The girl was immediately rushed to a hospital, where she is currently undergoing treatment. The victim’s parents, who were attending a condolence ceremony (dashgatra) at the time of the incident, were informed and returned to find their daughter in critical condition.

The family, primarily labourers, is in a state of shock and grief. Police detained the 14-year-old boy after he initially fled and hid in the village. During interrogation, the juvenile confessed to the crime. Police have registered a rape case under POCSO Act and Juvenile Justice Act. The incident has sparked outrage in the village, with residents expressing concern over the safety of young girls. The victim, one of three siblings, was often left at her uncle’s neighbouring house, where the accused lived, as the families resided in close proximity. This horrific crime has once again highlighted the vulnerability of children in seemingly safe environments, raising questions about community safety measures in rural areas.