Delhi Police have detained two minors and are searching for a third in connection with the alleged gang-rape of a six-year-old girl in the Bhajanpura area of northeast Delhi. The incident reportedly occurred on January 18, when the child was lured by three boys—aged approximately 10, 13, and 14—and taken to a nearby abandoned or empty building, where she was assaulted. The victim returned home bleeding and in severe distress, prompting her family to seek medical attention and report the matter to authorities the same day.
According to the girl's mother, the accused were neighborhood acquaintances who enticed the child with promises of food, such as chowmein, before tying her hands, gagging her mouth, and committing the crime on a terrace or in an isolated spot. Medical examination confirmed serious injuries, leaving the girl initially unable to walk, though she is now reported stable and recovering at home with ongoing support. Bloodstains were later found at the alleged crime scene during police investigations, corroborating aspects of the survivor's account.
The two apprehended juveniles, including the 10-year-old whose mother reportedly handed him over to police after learning of the incident, were produced before the Juvenile Justice Board. Charges have been filed under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The third accused, believed to be the eldest at around 14-16 years old, allegedly fled—possibly to Bihar—along with his family, and police teams are using local intelligence, CCTV footage, and surveillance to trace him.
The case has sparked widespread public outrage and renewed discussions on child safety, juvenile justice, and societal failures in protecting vulnerable children. Celebrities and activists have voiced anger, with calls for stricter measures and greater accountability. The incident highlights persistent challenges in addressing sexual violence against minors in urban areas, where familiar surroundings can sometimes mask risks from known individuals.
Police have transferred the investigation to the Bhajanpura station, emphasizing that all procedures involving minors are being followed meticulously. The victim's family, including her father who works as a rickshaw puller, has expressed demands for strict punishment despite the ages of the perpetrators, underscoring the profound trauma inflicted on the young survivor and her relatives. Authorities continue to provide medical care, counseling, and security to the child and her family as the probe progresses.