Coimbatore, 24 May

A 10-year-old girl who went missing while playing outside her house in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, was allegedly sexually assaulted and murdered, police said on Sunday. Two accused, including a neighbour known to the victim’s family, have been arrested in connection with the case.

According to police, the child went missing on 21 May at around 5pm while playing outside her residence. Information about the missing child was received through the police helpline at around 8:30pm, following which officers rushed to the spot and registered a case the same night.

West Zone Inspector General of Police RV Ramya Bharathi said five special teams were immediately formed to trace the child.

"On 21 May at about 8:30pm, information was received through police helpline 100 that a 10-year-old girl who was playing outside her house had gone missing at about 5 pm in the evening. The police personnel rushed to the spot, conducted enquiries, received the complaint and registered a case regarding the missing child on the same night at about 10 pm," she said.

Police said investigators analysed CCTV footage and gathered evidence during the search operation, which led them to the main accused, identified as Karthi, a neighbour and acquaintance of the victim’s family.

"Subsequently, five special teams were formed immediately under the supervision of the DSP, and intensive search operations were undertaken to trace the missing child. Investigation, including CCTV footage analysis, confirmed that one Karthi, who was a neighbour and acquaintance of the victim's family, had taken the missing child along with him.

He was arrested, and during the course of interrogation, the accused confessed that he had lured, sexually assaulted and murdered the child. Further investigation also revealed the involvement of another accused, namely Mohan, who has allegedly assisted the main accused," Bharathi said.

Police said the second accused, Mohan, was also arrested during the investigation.

"As the case pertains to the assault of a minor child, the case is being altered to include the provisions of the POCSO Act. The two accused persons were arrested within 24 hours," the IGP added.

The brutal incident triggered outrage in the area, with the victim’s parents and relatives staging a protest on a National Highway near the Sulur Police Station, demanding justice for the child.

IGP Bharathi said senior officers would arrive to conduct a preliminary review of the case, considering its sensitivity.

"The only two persons involved have been promptly arrested. In view of the sensitivity of the case, senior officers will be coming for preliminary review," she told ANI.

Further investigation is underway.