5-Year-Old Sexual Assault Victim Denied Medical Care as Village Attempts Cover-Up in Maharashtra

The police official confirmed that further investigation into the case is ongoing.

Beed:

According to officials on Monday, certain residents in a Maharashtra's Beed district village reportedly prevented the family of a sexually assaulted child from contacting police or seeking medical care for the young victim.

An official revealed that the incident occurred in Shirur Kasar tehsil on November 7 and was only recently discovered.

"A five-and-a-half-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by a 15-year-old boy who is a close relative of the victim. Village members reportedly conducted meetings to protect the area's reputation and allegedly warned the victim's family against reaching out to authorities," the official stated.

"Consequently, the injured child remained at home for approximately four days, enduring severe pain. Family members eventually informed Superintendent of Police Navneet Kanwat, after which Shirur Kasar police filed an FIR on November 13 under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act," the official added.

According to the official, the girl has been transferred to the Beed Government Hospital and is currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Child Welfare Committee member Tatwasheel Kamble has called for strict action not only against the perpetrator but also against police personnel for the delay in registering the case.

"Under the POCSO Act, failing to register a complaint immediately is also a punishable offense," he emphasized.

The police official confirmed that further investigation into the case is ongoing.