Horror in Delhi: 9-Year-Old Girl Found Dead in Suitcase, Sexual Assault Suspected
A 9-year-old girl was found dead, her body stuffed in a suitcase, in North East Delhi's Nehru Vihar. The incident occurred Saturday; police suspect sexual assault based on initial medical observations and visible injuries. The girl, who went to visit a relative, was found naked in a locked flat by her father. A case under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and POCSO Act is registered. Police are investigating CCTV footage and seeking the accused.
Unpacked:
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita is India's new criminal code replacing the Indian Penal Code. It covers a wide range of criminal offenses, including murder and sexual assault. In this case, it is being used to prosecute those responsible for the girl's death and suspected assault under updated legal provisions.
Child sexual assault and trafficking remain significant issues in Delhi. Despite police crackdowns, trafficking rackets persist, with multiple major busts in recent years. Vulnerable children from poor backgrounds are often targeted, and the problem is exacerbated by poverty and lack of awareness among families.
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act is a legal framework in India designed to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation. It mandates strict punishments for offenders and ensures child-friendly procedures during investigation and trial. POCSO is applied here due to suspected sexual assault on the victim.
Police face challenges like persistent organized trafficking networks, lack of awareness among families, and the vulnerability of children in impoverished areas. Despite arrests and crackdowns, traffickers often resume activities after bail, and complex operations make investigation and prevention difficult.