Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai

Chennai, Jun 15: A three-year-old girl died after allegedly being sexually assaulted in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur district, triggering widespread outrage and renewed concerns over crimes against women and children in the state.

Police have arrested a migrant worker from Bihar in connection with the incident. The victim's family, also originally from Bihar, had been residing in the SIPCOT industrial area of Gummidipoondi.

According to police, the child went missing while playing near her residence and was later found abandoned with serious injuries in a bushy area on Sunday. She was rushed to hospital for treatment but succumbed to her injuries on Monday.

Investigators said the accused was known to the child and allegedly lured her away with biscuits before committing the crime.

“The child knew him. He offered her biscuits, took her away and sexually assaulted her,” a senior police officer said.

Local residents reportedly apprehended the accused and handed him over to police. Amid public anger over the incident, a few other individuals were also assaulted by locals on suspicion of involvement. However, police clarified that the investigation had found only one person responsible for the crime.

“This is not a case of gang rape. Only one person was involved,” the officer said.

A local resident, Indumathi, said the child had been playing near her home when the accused allegedly took her away.

“The child was at home. The man offered her biscuits and took her away. She was later found abandoned in the bushes by a woman who had gone there to relieve herself. She cleaned the child and realised her condition was serious,” she said.

Police initially registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Following the child's death, murder charges are expected to be added to the case.

The incident has once again brought attention to the issue of crimes against women and children in Tamil Nadu, which has remained a major topic of public and political debate in recent years.

Reacting to the incident, DMK leader TKS Elangovan called for strict action against offenders and stronger preventive measures.

“The government should be strict on these incidents. Punishment should be severe. This is a social issue. The government should concentrate on it,” he said.

He also alleged that several recent criminal cases had involved members or functionaries of the ruling TVK, a claim that has added a political dimension to the issue.

Soon after assuming office, Chief Minister Joseph Vijay announced the formation of a special women's safety force named "Singappenn" to strengthen protection measures for women and girls. The initiative was formally launched recently.

According to the latest crime records, more than 1.77 lakh cases involving crimes against children were registered across India in 2023. Of these, over 67,000 cases, accounting for 38.2 per cent, were filed under the POCSO Act.

The latest tragedy is expected to intensify demands for stronger action to prevent crimes against children and ensure swift justice for victims.