Surat: A deeply disturbing crime has shocked Gujarat’s Surat district, where a 5-year-old girl was allegedly abducted and brutally murdered by a neighbour after she fought against sexual assault in Vankaneda village, located in Palsana Taluka. The accused, identified as Ganpatlal Chandraprakash, is originally from Rajasthan and lived near the victim’s family, who are migrant laborers.
According to the police, the tragic incident unfolded on Sunday when the young girl suddenly went missing from her home in the Radha Rani Industrial area. The family reported her disappearance to the Kadodara police station, prompting an immediate investigation.
CCTV footage from the area proved critical in tracing the suspect. The video showed the accused walking away with the child. Upon further inquiry and search efforts, the police arrested Ganpatlal. The girl’s body was later found dumped in a nearby field.
During interrogation, the accused reportedly confessed to attempting to sexually assault the child. When the girl screamed and resisted, he allegedly hit her with a stone, leading to her death on the spot.
Police have sent the child’s body for post-mortem examination and confirmed that charges of attempted rape and murder under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the POCSO Act have been filed. Further investigation is ongoing. The incident has triggered widespread outrage and sorrow across the region. Local communities and activists have demanded swift justice and harsher penalties for crimes against children.