40-Year-Old Man Arrested For Allegedly Abducting, Raping 9-Year-Old In Delhi’s Swaroop Nagar

A 40-year-old man was arrested for allegedly abducting and raping his nine-year-old neighbour, who was also a distant relative, at his room in north Delhi’s Swaroop Nagar, police said on Sunday.

The accused had been living in a room next to the family’s flat for around seven months. According to police, he allegedly took the Class 3 student from the family’s home while she was asleep, carried her to his room and sexually assaulted her. Investigators said he also allegedly threatened the girl after the incident.

Police said the accused had travelled to Delhi from his native village around seven months ago in search of work. The family helped him find accommodation next to their flat and also involved him in their business.

He frequently visited the family’s home and had access to the household, officers said.

According to police, the accused allegedly entered the house on Monday night and found the girl sleeping.

“He allegedly picked her up and quietly took her to his room without alerting the other family members,” an officer said.

The girl’s younger sister allegedly entered the room during the incident and later told their mother what she had seen. The family subsequently approached the police.

Following their complaint, Swaroop Nagar police registered a case under provisions relating to rape and kidnapping, along with relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Police said the girl underwent a medical examination and was later counselled. The accused was produced before a Rohini court on Wednesday and sent to judicial custody.

Investigators are continuing to record the statements of the girl and her family members as part of the probe.