The Gwalior child rape case has sparked outrage after an 11-year-old girl allegedly endured sexual assault at the hands of her uncle in Madhya Pradesh’s Gwalior district. Police arrested the accused nearly 12 days after the incident was first reported within the family.
According to police, the incident took place on the night of 13 May in the Jhansi Road area of Gwalior. The child, a Class 6 student, had come to stay with her parents to celebrate her younger brother’s birthday.
Investigators said the girl usually lives with her maternal grandparents and had arrived at her parents’ home two days before the alleged assault.
How the Gwalior child rape case unfolded
Police said a power outage had forced family members to sit outside the house because of the heat. During the blackout, the girl’s mother reportedly asked her to wake her younger brother who was sleeping inside the house.
While returning, the accused uncle allegedly dragged the child into a room. Police said he stuffed a cloth into her mouth, tied her hands and legs, and sexually assaulted her. The accused also allegedly threatened to kill the girl if she disclosed the incident.
“The child remained traumatised after the incident and the complaint reached police only after her health deteriorated,” a police official said.
Family members reportedly delayed approaching the police because of social pressure and fear of stigma. The girl was later sent back to her grandparents’ home.
The matter came to light after the child complained of severe stomach pain and was taken to doctors. Medical professionals reportedly suspected internal injuries, following which the family approached Jhansi Road police station.
Accused arrested under POCSO Act
Police registered a case under rape charges, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and criminal intimidation provisions. A special team later arrested the accused from a suspected hideout.
Authorities said the survivor underwent medical examination and counselling support is being arranged.
Child rights activists have once again stressed the importance of timely reporting and psychological support for survivors of abuse.
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