10-Year-Old Girl Sexually Harassed, Murdered By Neighbour In Coimbatore After Going Missing

Last Updated:May 24, 2026, 11:09 IST

CCTV footage and local enquiries allegedly revealed that Karthi, a neighbour known to the victim’s family, had taken her with him before she disappeared.

A 10-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted and murdered by her neighbour after she went missing while playing outside her house in Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore, police said on Saturday.

According to West Zone Inspector General of Police RV Ramya Bharati, police received information through the emergency helpline on May 21 at around 8:30 pm that the girl had gone missing around 5 pm.

Police personnel immediately rushed to the spot, conducted enquiries and registered a missing person case later that night.

CCTV Footage Led Police To Accused

Police said five special teams were formed under the supervision of the Deputy Superintendent of Police to trace the missing woman.

During the investigation, CCTV footage and local enquiries allegedly revealed that Karthi, a neighbour known to the victim’s family, had taken her with him before she disappeared.

“On 21 May at about 8:30 pm, information was received through police helpline 100 that a 10-year-old girl who was playing outside her house had gone missing at about 5 pm in the evening," said West Zone Inspector General of Police, RV Ramya Bharati.

Accused Confessed During Interrogation

Police said Karthi was arrested and allegedly confessed during questioning that he had lured, sexually assaulted and murdered the child. Further investigation also revealed the alleged involvement of another accused, Mohan, who is accused of assisting the main suspect.

Both accused were arrested within 24 hours, police said.

POCSO Charges Added

Officials said the case has now been altered to include provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act as the case involves the alleged assault of a minor.

Further investigation is underway.

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