Daijiworld Media Network – Guwahati

Guwahati, Jul 9: An eight-year-old girl who went missing from her home in Assam's Sribhumi district was found dead in a nearby forest, following which police arrested a 22-year-old man in connection with the alleged rape and murder of the child.

The girl had gone missing on Wednesday morning. After she failed to return home, her family and local residents launched a search, during which her body was found on a forested hillock near her residence.

Police alleged that the accused lured the child to the isolated location, where he sexually assaulted and killed her. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.

Sribhumi Additional Superintendent of Police Trinayan Bhuyan said preliminary investigation indicates that the minor was sexually assaulted and murdered. He said the accused has been taken into custody and is being questioned.

According to police, local residents apprehended the suspect before handing him over to the authorities.

The incident triggered protests in the area, with residents alleging that police failed to respond promptly despite being informed soon after the girl went missing. Protesters blocked the Chargola-Hailakandi road, demanding swift action against the accused and accountability for the alleged delay in police response.

Following the protests, additional police personnel were deployed to maintain law and order. Senior officers have also initiated action against the officer in charge of the Madanmohan Patrol Post over allegations of negligence.

Police have registered a case and said further investigation is in progress.