Daijiworld Media Network - Vaishali

Vaishali, Apr 26: In a swift response to a heinous crime, police in Bihar's Vaishali district have apprehended a 40-year-old man, Lalbabu Ram, for the alleged rape of a six-year-old girl. The accused, a neighbor of the young victim, was taken into custody within 24 hours of the crime, officials confirmed on Saturday.

Kumari Durga Shakti, the State Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of the Mahua range, stated that legal proceedings have been initiated against the accused. "An FIR has been registered at Baligaon police station under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) and the POCSO Act, which include charges of kidnapping and rape," she affirmed.

Providing details of the investigation, SDPO Shakti added, "Our team promptly investigated the crime scene, and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) collected crucial samples. Furthermore, the medical examination of the victim has unequivocally confirmed the occurrence of sexual assault."

According to the police report, the distressing incident unfolded when the child was walking to a local shop with a small amount of money to purchase biscuits. The accused allegedly enticed and then abducted the young girl. He then took her to a secluded cornfield where the sexual assault occurred. In a further act of cruelty, the accused also snatched the child's mobile phone and discarded it.

Disturbingly, the police investigation has unearthed a history of similar alleged offenses by Lalbabu Ram. It was revealed that he had been implicated in two prior rape cases; however, these matters were reportedly resolved outside the formal legal system through social settlements. This time, the crime was officially reported, prompting the immediate action by the police.

Presently, the accused is undergoing interrogation as the police intensify their investigation to uncover any additional complaints that may have been filed against him.

This recent incident follows another disturbing case in Vaishali, where on February 27, a 14-year-old girl was reportedly gang-raped. In that instance, the district police arrested three individuals, including a woman identified as Pakija Khatun alias Phullo, who allegedly lured the minor and handed her over to two male suspects, Pintu Kumar and Chotu Kumar. A formal complaint was lodged by the victim's father on March 1, and the two male accused were subsequently charged under the POCSO Act.