Uncle Arrested in Shocking Case of Rape and Murder of 10-Year-Old in Maharashtra

The body of a 10-year-old girl, who went missing on Wednesday evening in Maharashtra's Kolhapur district, was found in a sugarcane field on Thursday morning. Her uncle has been arrested for alleged rape and murder. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has promised strict action against the perpetrators.

The body of a 10-year-old girl was recovered from a sugarcane field in Maharashtra's Kolhapur district on Thursday morning, leading to the arrest of her uncle on charges of rape and murder, according to police officials.

The girl, originally from Bihar, went missing on Wednesday evening prompting her parents to file a missing person report shortly after, a police spokesperson stated.

'The minor's body was found by local residents in a sugarcane field just 800 metres from her home in Shiye village, Karvir taluka. Investigations revealed her uncle sexually assaulted and then strangled her. The accused confessed during interrogation,' the spokesperson reported.

'Our investigation showed that the uncle lied to the girl's mother about her whereabouts on Wednesday evening, claiming she left in anger after being scolded. He fled before the girl's father arrived that night and returned only this morning,' the police spokesperson said.

The Superintendent of Police Mahendra Pandit confirmed that the uncle would be produced in court on Friday for the heinous crime.

The girl's parents are employed at an industrial unit in the Shiroli MIDC area, the police disclosed.

Earlier, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who oversees the home portfolio, confirmed suspicions of sexual assault. 'Initial reports indicate the uncle beat the girl on Wednesday afternoon. The police received a missing complaint around 10 pm and discovered her body this morning,' Fadnavis told reporters. 'We will ensure stringent action against the perpetrators and offer all possible support to the family.'

This incident follows another recent case where two minor girls were sexually abused by a school attendant in Badlapur, Thane district.

(With inputs from agencies.)