The individual implicated in the heinous crime involving the rape and subsequent murder of a 4-year-old girl in Ludhiana has been captured by the police at the Nepal border. The Daba Police had circulated a photograph of the suspect, identified as Sonu, hailing from Fatehpur district in Uttar Pradesh, offering a reward of Rs 2 lakh for any information leading to his arrest. Sonu’s image was also made public.
In December 2023, Sonu came to stay with his brother Ashok in the locality. Ashok is involved in the unauthorized refilling of gas cylinders in the area. On December 28, Sonu took the young girl to his grandmother’s tea shop, claiming to buy something. Following this excursion, the girl did not return home.
Concerned by the girl’s absence by the afternoon, her relatives initiated a search in the vicinity, subsequently informing the police. Upon reviewing CCTV footage in the area, Sonu, a resident there, was observed leading the girl to his residence. When the police and relatives reached Sonu’s residence, they tragically discovered the lifeless body of the girl left in a bedbox.
Post-mortem results revealed that the girl’s throat had been strangled for a period of 30 to 40 seconds, with visible finger marks on her neck. Additionally, signs of bleeding were observed in her private areas. Based on complaints filed by the relatives, the Daba Police registered a case against Sonu under IPC sections 302, 376A, 376-AB, and the POCSO Act. Since then, an active search for Sonu has been underway.
Protests erupted outside the police station by the relatives due to the delayed arrest of the suspect. Consequently, the police announced a reward of Rs 2 lakh for any information leading to Sonu’s arrest. Currently, Sonu is being transported back to Ludhiana from Nepal. The police will conduct a press conference on Thursday to provide further details on the case.