Six-year-old boy sexually abused by neighbor; residents attack officers, accused

NEW DELHI: A six-year-old boy was “inappropriately touched” by his 35-year-old neighbour, following which police filed a sexual assault case under POCSO provisions and arrested the accused, an official said on Wednesday.

While arresting the suspect, identified as Balram Dass alias Kalu, from the victim’s vicinity and taking him to the police station, a large crowd, including women, gathered and tried to attack the suspect and even the police personnel escorting him.

Sharing details of the incident, DCP (Southeast) Rajesh Deo said a case was registered in the abduction of a six-year-old boy on September 1 after his mother filed a complaint. Police then started an investigation.

The boy was found by the family the same day and taken to the police station. “He was medically examined at AIIMS hospital and later sent to Boys Care Home Lajpat Nagar. The boy or even his family did not allege any sexual assault at that time,” the DCP said.

On September 3, the boy’s statement was recorded before a judge, but the boy did not reveal anything about sexual abuse. Later that day, when he was taken to the Child Welfare Counsellor (CWC), another statement was recorded from the boy.