A 15-year-old girl from Bhind district was allegedly raped, murdered and her body set ablaze in Gwalior, with police detaining three suspects, including a youth believed to have been in a relationship with the victim.
The case surfaced after police recovered the partially burnt body of the teenager from a forested area near Navgrah Temple hill under the Janakganj police station limits on Monday.
According to police, the victim, a resident of Mau in Bhind district, had been reported missing by her family. During the investigation, suspicion fell on a local youth identified as Ramu Gurjar, who was known to the girl. Police later detained him and uncovered details of the alleged crime.
Preliminary investigations suggest that on May 28, Ramu allegedly lured the girl to Gwalior on his motorcycle. Police said another suspect, identified as Arun, was also involved.
Investigators allege that the two took the teenager to an isolated location on the hill near Navgrah Temple, where they sexually assaulted her. The victim reportedly resisted and pleaded to be allowed to return home.
Police further allege that after the assault, the prime accused attempted to strike a monetary deal involving the victim. Investigators claim that when the girl objected and tried to raise an alarm, the accused strangled her to death.
The suspects allegedly hid the body in bushes before fleeing the area. According to police, they returned to the scene on May 29 with a third associate, identified as Gaurav Kushwaha. The trio allegedly poured petrol on the body and set it on fire in an attempt to destroy evidence and conceal the victim’s identity.
The investigation gained momentum after the victim’s family lodged a missing-person complaint at Mau police station. Family members told police that Ramu Gurjar was frequently seen with the girl and could be linked to her disappearance.
Police from Mau and Gwalior jointly questioned the suspect. Investigators said call detail records and technical evidence contradicted his initial statements. During sustained questioning, the accused allegedly disclosed information that led officers to the crime scene.
Acting on his alleged disclosure, a Janakganj police team reached the hilltop area and recovered the charred remains. Forensic experts examined the scene and collected evidence for further analysis.
Lashkar City Superintendent of Police Kiran Ahirwar said the suspects are in custody and investigators have secured important evidence from the location. Further action will be taken based on forensic findings and the post-mortem report.
The victim’s father said his daughter had left home on May 28 but did not return. While searching for her, family members also discovered that some jewellery and cash were missing from the house. The family later learned of her death and has demanded the strictest possible punishment for those responsible.
Police have not yet disclosed all charges that may be invoked, and the investigation remains ongoing.
