Accused Lured Girl With Snacks
Police said one of the accused, a worker at the construction site for nearly two-and-a-half months, had deliberately befriended the victim and her brothers by frequently playing with them and offering chocolates, chips and toffees. CCTV footage shows the accused luring the girl away on the pretext of buying snacks and a soft drink before the assault.
Assault On Third Floor, Brutal Murder
According to investigators, the accused took the minor to the third floor of the building, where she was sexually assaulted and raped. Police said the attacker then repeatedly struck the girl’s head with an iron rod, leaving bloodstains on the walls and floor at the crime scene.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Body Thrown Into Basement Shaft
After the murder, the accused allegedly dropped the child’s body through a shaft from the third floor into the basement in an attempt to hide the crime. Police said the lack of electricity inside the under-construction mall made it easier for the accused to dispose of the body without being noticed.
Family’s Search And Discovery
The girl’s maternal uncle said she had been missing since Friday evening, prompting the family to search for her across the construction site. Her body was finally discovered by relatives in the basement around 1:05 am, with visible head injuries and multiple fractures, according to the family.
Parents Are Labourers At Site
The victim’s parents work as labourers at the same construction site and live in a makeshift shelter on the premises. News of the child’s death triggered anger among local residents, with additional police deployment needed to maintain law and order at the mall.
Two Main Accused Arrested
During the investigation, police identified two prime suspects from CCTV footage and other evidence and arrested them, including one adult and one minor. Officers also recovered the victim’s slippers and trousers, along with the bloodstained iron rod allegedly used in the murder.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)
