New Delhi, June 23: Delhi Police have arrested a 25-year-old cab driver in connection with the alleged kidnapping, sexual assault, and murder of an 11-year-old girl from South Delhi's Mehrauli area, officials said.
According to police, the incident occurred on June 22 near CDR Chowk in Mehrauli, where the victim was reportedly sleeping with her family when she went missing. The girl's family, originally from Bihar, works as daily-wage laborers and had been living in the area.
Following a distress call regarding the child's disappearance, police launched an extensive search operation. Investigators reviewed CCTV footage, analyzed technical evidence, and gathered information from local sources to trace the suspect.
Authorities identified and detained a cab driver, identified as Bablu, within hours of the complaint being filed. Police said the suspect was arrested approximately six hours after the search operation began.
During the investigation, officers recovered the girl's body from a forested area near the Delhi-Gurugram border. The body has been sent to Safdarjung Hospital for a post-mortem examination, the results of which are expected to provide further details about the circumstances surrounding the death.
Police officials stated that the accused is being questioned and that the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are also collecting forensic and other evidence as part of the probe.
A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Officials said additional charges may be added based on the findings of the investigation.
The incident has drawn widespread concern and renewed attention to the safety of children from vulnerable communities. Local residents and child rights advocates have called for swift justice and stronger protective measures for children living in precarious conditions.
Delhi Police have assured the victim's family that a thorough investigation will be conducted and that all legal procedures will be followed. Further details are expected once the post-mortem report and forensic analysis are completed.
The accused remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.