Six-Year-Old Girl Murdered After Being Lured with Ice Cream

A six-year-old girl was tragically raped and murdered in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, after being lured from a family wedding with the promise of ice cream. The chilling incident occurred late at night on March 15, 2024, when the child, who was wearing a white gown, was seen on CCTV footage walking hand-in-hand with a man before disappearing into the darkness around 23:30.

The girl was reported missing shortly after her parents realized she had not returned from a trip to get water. A frantic search ensued, leading to the discovery of her body on a hillock approximately 500 meters from the wedding venue in the early hours of the following day. According to authorities, she had been sexually assaulted, strangled, and her face was disfigured beyond recognition with a stone.

Dharmraj Meena, the Senior Superintendent of Police in Gwalior, confirmed that a man believed to be part of the catering team for the wedding had been apprehended on suspicion of murder. He stated, “Our team reached the spot along with the forensic experts. After seeing the crime scene, it is quite clear that the child had undergone a brutal sexual assault. The criminal had used a big stone to smash her face and kill her.” Investigators are currently questioning this individual for further leads.

The victim had been sleeping with her family at the wedding venue and went missing shortly after leaving to quench her thirst. An official reported, “When she did not return, her family launched a search but failed to find her.” Authorities believe she was enticed away with the false promise of ice cream.

This horrific incident echoes past tragedies in India, highlighting ongoing issues regarding the safety of women and children. In December 2012, the assault and subsequent death of Jyoti Singh, a physiotherapy student, sparked nationwide protests and demands for change in a society where sexual violence remains prevalent. Similarly, in January 2018, the gang rape and murder of eight-year-old Asifa Bano in Kathua brought further outrage. Asifa was lured from her home, held captive for days, and subjected to repeated rape before being murdered.

In response to rising public concern over child safety, the Indian government initiated a process to introduce the death penalty for individuals convicted of raping young children. This executive order was approved during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but it requires parliamentary ratification before becoming law.

According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau, approximately 100 sexual assaults are reported to authorities in India every day. The public’s anger over these incidents, including the recent murder of the young girl, could significantly affect Modi’s re-election prospects in the upcoming national elections. While he has pledged justice for “our daughters,” critics argue that his administration has not acted swiftly enough to address the crisis of sexual violence in the country.

As the investigation into this latest tragedy unfolds, the community mourns the loss of a young life and grapples with the urgent need for measures to protect its most vulnerable members.