Wardha, July 17 (IANS) In a significant breakthrough by police in Maharashtra, a farm labourer was arrested within 24 hours for the alleged rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl at her home near the state’s Wardha district, officials said on Friday.
The accused has been identified as 30-year-old Rahul Raju Madavi.
According to investigators, the minor was allegedly raped before being bludgeoned to death with a stone at her house in Wardha. Her’s partially unclothed body was discovered inside the house by her parents, police said.
Based on a complaint filed by the victim’s mother, the police registered a case under charges of murder and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Given the gravity of the matter, the police formed 14 special teams under the guidance of the Sub-Divisional Officer. Three suspects were detained overnight.
Saurabh Kumar Agrawal, Superintendent of Police, Wardha, said that following rigorous interrogation, accused Madavi confessed to committing the rape and murder.
The police suspect that two other individuals may have assisted the accused. Consequently, they have also been taken into custody.
The 12-year-old victim was a fifth-grade student. The family, hailing from Mahagaon in the state’s Yavatmal district, had been living in Wardha for the past five years. They resided in a hut located on a farm.
The accused, a labourer, used to frequent the area where the victim’s family lived, as he worked in a nearby field.
According to the police investigation, the minor’s parents were away from home on Wednesday. Taking advantage, the accused entered the premises and purportedly raped the girl before bludgeoning her to death with a stone.
Further, police stated that the investigation is being conducted in consultation with medical experts, and the rape allegation will be confirmed only after the medical report is received.
Moreover, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to investigate the case, with the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) appointed to lead the team. Strict action will be taken against the guilty, and the case will be tried in a fast-track court as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, the incident sparked grief and outrage in the area with residents blocking a road for a period, demanding the death penalty for the accused and a fast-track trial. Police have maintained a presence in the village to prevent any further disturbance.
–IANS
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