Khargone police have cracked the rape and murder case of a seven-year-old girl and arrested the accused.
The accused has been identified as Shivshankar (18). He is the victim’s relative and a resident of Kakadgaon village in Khargone district, about 16km east of district headquarters.
The body of the Class 3 student was found on the bank of Veda river on the outskirts of Kakadgaon village, on Friday morning. During medical examination, it was confirmed that she was sexually assaulted before being murdered.
Addressing the media at Khargone police control room, superintendent of police Amit Singh said the police had detained about 20 villagers including few relatives on Friday as they suspected that someone close to the victim may have committed the crime.
After tests confirmed the crime, the accused accepted to have raped the minor. Singh further said that the accused told the police that he is a distant relative of the victim.
On October 2, when the victim was going home after attending a garba function, he offered her some food laced with intoxicants.
When she lost consciousness on reaching home, the youth took advantage of the situation and abducted her. He took her to his house and raped her. Fearing that the girl may identify him, he strangulated her to death. Later, he abandoned her body on the bank on Veda river.
{{/usCountry}}When she lost consciousness on reaching home, the youth took advantage of the situation and abducted her. He took her to his house and raped her. Fearing that the girl may identify him, he strangulated her to death. Later, he abandoned her body on the bank on Veda river.
{{/usCountry}}SP Amit Singh said a case under Sections 376 (rape) and 302 (murder) has been registered against the accused.
"Police will take the case to fast track court so that the victim and her family members get quick justice," he said.