In a shocking incident, an eight-month-old infant was allegedly assaulted sexually on Sunday by her 28-year-old cousin at Shakurpur Basti area of Northwest Delhi.
The infant sustained severe injuries to her vital organs, police said. She had been admitted to Kalawati Saran Hospital in central Delhi where her condition is reported to be “critical” now.
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According to police sources, both her parents had gone out to work and had left their baby with other relatives when the incident occurred. They live on a building’s first floor while their other relatives live on its ground floor.
The accused, Suraj, took the infant away on the pretext of playing with her. Later, when her mother, who work as a maid in the area, returned home, she found the baby in a pool of blood. She immediately rushed her to a hospital.
“On returning home, the mother found the baby unconscious and bleeding from her private parts. She informed the child’s father who works as a labourer. The hospital informed the police about the case,” a senior police official said.
Suraj initially ran away from the house. He was later traced in the area by police and was detained.
“During his interrogation, he confessed to his crime. He is the elder son of the child’s uncle. The child’s family used to leave her at home with other cousins and relatives while going out to work. A case has been registered at Subhash Place police station. The accused has been booked under relevant section of POSCO,” said Aslam Khan, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northwest).
When contacted for her reaction on the incident, Swati Maliwal, chairperson of Delhi Commission for Women, told The Statesman: “DCW is still unaware of the case as there is no confirmation yet from Delhi Police. But if this incident is true, it is really heart-wrenching. The system has collectively failed to provide safety to girls and women.”
