9-Year-Old Girl’s Body Found With Injury Marks In Manipur Relief Camp; Police Suspect Rape

A 9-year-old girl was found dead at a Manipur relief camp, with injuries suggesting rape and murder. Police are investigating the case under the POCSO Act.

A nine-year-old girl was found dead on Friday at a relief camp in Manipur’s Churachandpur district after she went missing from the camp on Thursday evening.

Source : ABPLIVE_AI

A nine-year-old girl was found dead at a relief camp in Manipur’s Churachandpur district in the early hours of Friday, with police suspecting rape. Officials said she had gone missing from the camp on Thursday evening, prompting her family to search for her. Her body was later discovered in the camp compound with multiple injury marks, particularly on her throat, and bloodstains, raising suspicions of sexual assault.

"She had multiple injury marks on her body, especially her throat, besides blood stains," officials said, as per news agency PTI. "It is suspected that she was raped," they said.

Police informed that 15 people were detained for interrogation, but no arrests have been made yet.

Police have registered a case under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which prescribes a minimum punishment of 20 years’ imprisonment, extendable to life. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination.

‘Senseless Act, Grave Crime Against Humanity’: Ex-CM Biren Singh On Manipur Girl’s Death

Condemning the incident, former Chief Minister N Biren Singh expressed condolences to the bereaved family. “I strongly condemn the heinous killing of the girl by unidentified miscreants. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved family, and I share their grief during this difficult time. This senseless act is a grave crime against humanity, and I urge the authorities to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice without delay,” he posted on X.

The headmistress of Way Mark Academy, where the girl studied, also expressed deep sorrow. “In this moment of sorrow and grief, we stand together with the bereft family and share the pain of their loss,” Linda Jamngaihching said in a statement, as quoted by NDTV.

The Zomi Mother’s Association and Young Vaiphei Association Haupi Block were among several organisations that expressed deep sorrow over the incident.

The Zomi Mothers’ Association, in a statement, said it “condemns in the strongest terms” the alleged murder and “prays that such a crime against humanity shall no more be tolerated in our society.” The Young Vaiphei Association termed it an “inhumane murder” and urged the police to ensure justice for the family, as per NDTV's report.

Over 50,000 people were internally displaced across Manipur following ethnic violence between the Meitei community and the Kuki tribes in May 2023. Many children have been attending school from relief camps due to the ongoing displacement, the report stated.