Daijiworld Media Network - Bhopal

Bhopal, Nov 28: The six-day-long search for Salman alias Nazar, accused of raping a six-year-old girl in Madhya Pradesh’s Raisen district, ended late Thursday night with his arrest from Bhopal. The 23-year-old, who carried a reward of Rs 30,000, was injured in police firing after he allegedly attempted to flee during transit.

Police traced Salman to a tea stall near the Gandhi Nagar area, where local residents grew suspicious after he tried to rent a house without valid identification. He had reportedly been staying outdoors near an acquaintance’s house for the past three days.

Soon after his arrest, he was handed over to the Sultanganj police. While being taken through a forested stretch, the accused allegedly tried to escape, prompting police to open fire. He sustained a leg injury and was shifted to Hamidia Hospital in Bhopal.

The incident occurred on November 21, when the minor girl was allegedly lured with chocolate and taken to a nearby forest. She was later found by her family and taken to a government hospital, where medical examination confirmed sexual assault. The child is currently undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bhopal and is said to be recovering.

Following widespread protests and public anger, members of a local organisation gathered outside the Gandhi Nagar police station demanding strict action. Taking serious note of the delay in arrest and subsequent law-and-order issues, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav held a high-level meeting and ordered the removal of Raisen Superintendent of Police Pankaj Pandey. Ashutosh has been appointed as the new SP.

Police continue further investigation into the case.