On August 12, a 57-year-old government official allegedly raped a 6-year-old Dalit girl inside her house in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh. The accused, Gajendra Singh, an Agriculture Development Officer, has been arrested and suspended from his position.
“My daughter, who opened the door, told him not to come in as there was no one else in the house. The kid goat was tied to a pole. The incident took place around 5 pm. Singh had visited our house previously for work. On Monday, he didn’t listen to my daughter and instead sat down on the charpai,” the girl’s father told media.
The accused is alleged to have sexually assaulted the minor girl and subsequently committed bestiality with a goat on the premises. The victim’s parents were working in the fields at the time of the crime and were informed by their children upon their return. A complaint was filed with the police the following morning.
Taking advantage of the absence of adults, Singh allegedly entered the victim’s home while she was playing with a neighbour’s child. The neighbour’s child recorded the horrific act on their mobile phone.
The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, has taken serious cognizance of the matter. The accused official has been suspended, and a departmental inquiry has been initiated.
Additionally, the state government has announced financial assistance of INR 8.25 lakh for the victim’s family under various schemes.
The Chief Minister has directed the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Bulandshahr and the District Magistrate to visit the village, offer support to the victim’s family, and oversee the investigation.
The victim is currently stable and undergoing medical examinations. Forensic teams have collected samples from the crime scene.
The Senior Superintendent of Police, Shlok Kumar, has confirmed the arrest of the accused and stated that a thorough investigation is underway. According to police, Singh has been charged under several serious laws based on the complaint filed. These include the SC/ST Atrocities Prevention Act, the POCSO Act, Section 65(2) of the Indian Penal Code (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita), and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
“He (the officer) came to our house for some inspection when my wife and I had gone out. When my daughter told him that she was alone, he entered the house and did the sinful act,” said the rape survivor’s father, a Dalit farmer.
“My daughter would never be able to live a normal life now? He (accused) should be given the strictest punishment,” he added.
