12-Year-Old Girl Sexually Assaulted, Brutally Stabbed In Delhi's Paschim Vihar; Battling For Life At AIIMS

A 12-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted and brutally attacked in Outer Delhi's Paschim Vihar West area on Tuesday (4 August) evening. The girl was stabbed multiple times and has sustained brutal injuries.

While the minor girl is battling for her life at AIIMS, the Delhi police have formed several teams to arrest the accused.

"An FIR has been registered under relevant sections including attempt to murder and the POCSO Act (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences), and further investigation is underway," said a senior police officer. According to the police, the incident took place at the girl's house on Tuesday evening when she was alone.

Later, she was found critically injured and bleeding profusely. The minor was rushed to the Sanjay Gandhi Hospital where doctors referred her to AIIMS after providing first aid. Police said that she was found in a blood-soaked condition and the injury marks that she sustained on the back of her head and body seem to have been inflicted by a sharp weapon.

According to police officials cited in a Hindustan Times report, the victim's parents and elder sister work at a nearby garment factory and were not at home at the time of the alleged act. They live on rent in a room at a building with many tenants, mostly factory workers, in other rooms.

The police is questioning the neighbours for any possible leads.

"Investigators are questioning people living in the building and the neighbourhood as well. Since the crime took place in a room, the role of someone she knew has not been ruled out. The CCTV cameras installed in the neighbourhood are also being scanned for clues," a Delhi police spokesperson said.

The minor girl is currently undergoing treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and her condition is said to be critical.

A case has been filed against unidentified accused under POCSO Act and on charges of attempt to murder. An investigation is underway and cops are scanning footage from CCTV cameras in and around the crime scene in their hunt for the accused.

Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) also took suo motu cognisance of the matter and issued a notice to the station house officer (SHO) of Paschim VIhar police station. The Commission sought a copy of the FIR, detailed action report and other crucial information related to the case.

"Reportedly, the girl was brutally raped and the culprit(s) tried to kill her. Presently, she is fighting for her life in AIIMS, Delhi. It is reported that she was attacked with blunt objects and has injuries all over her body. This is a very serious matter," the notice by DCW chief Swati Maliwal, read.

(With inputs from IANS)