Anger and grief swept through Paras Estate near Leather Complex in Jalandhar West late Saturday night after a 13-year-old was found dead in the bathroom of a neighbour’s house, hours after being reported missing.
As per residents, the minor girl was allegedly raped and murdered by the neighbour, who has been arrested by the police.
Residents, along with BJP leader Sheetal Angural, have openly criticised the local police for alleged negligence in handling the case.
The victim, a resident of Paras Estate, had gone to the house of her father’s friend on the same street and did not return. Her family lodged a missing complaint, and locals informed the police that she was last seen entering the neighbour’s house — a detail they say was even visible on CCTV footage.
However, despite searching the house, police failed to find the girl. Later, it was the residents themselves who recovered her body from the bathroom of the same house, sparking outrage.
Enraged locals thrashed the man found inside the home before additional police teams reached the spot.
Though, residents didn't let police take the accused, and demanded him to be beaten till death at the same spot, the police however, managed to take the accused in their custody and left the spot.
Senior police officers rushed to the area after the body was found. BJP leader Sheetal Angural also arrived and strongly condemned the police, alleging that careless handling of the case had cost the girl her life.
Residents echoed his accusations, claiming that timely action and a proper search could have prevented the tragedy.
The incident took place at Paras Estate, near Leather Complex Road under the jurisdiction of Basti Bawa Khel police station. Police have initiated an investigation, though no official statement has yet been issued regarding the circumstances of the girl’s death or the allegations of negligence.
The situation in the neighbourhood remains tense at the time of filing this report, and senior police officials say they are yet to verify all facts and statements.
Meanwhile, the residents also alleged while the accused was taken in custody, the police failed to take the body in custody for further examination and even the forensic team hasn't reached the site yet. They demanded action against the police officers who failed to locate the girl from the house despite search and swift justice.
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