Minor girl found dead at under-construction Ghaziabad mall; post-mortem confirms rape

The body of a seven-year-old girl was found in the basement of an under-construction mall in Ghaziabad early morning on Saturday (July 11) following which her family alleged that she was raped and murdered. The incident took place Raj Nagar Extension area of the Nandgram police station limits.

Post-mortem findings

According to an NDTV report post-mortem examination revealed that she was raped and died of a severe head injury. An FIR has been lodged based on the complaint of the victim’s parent and a case has been registered under sections related to rape, murder, kidnapping and he POCSO Act.

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While the victim’s family members said that there was a severe injury and multiple fractures on her body after, investigators are suspecting she was thrown down from the third floor. However, police said that they are yet to determine the exact sequence of events.

Four to five suspects detained

While the Ghaziabad Police have reportedly detained four to five suspects and are currently interrogating them, two among the identified suspects are absconding. CCTV footage is being analysed by investigators to determine who exactly was behind the incident.

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According to the victim’s maternal uncle she was missing since Friday evening and her family has been looking for her.

What police said

Police said that they received information around 1 am on Saturday that that young girl was found lying inside the under construction mall following which officials rushed to the spot.

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“We received information around 1:00 am on July 11 that the body of a young girl was lying inside the under-construction mall. A police team from Nandgram Police Station immediately reached the spot. Senior officers also visited the crime scene to supervise the investigation. An FSL team examined the site and collected forensic evidence,” DCP Rural Surendra Nath Tiwari told NDTV.

According to ACP Nandgram Priyashree Pal police responded swiftly after being informed about the incident. She further stated that investigators have collected forensic evidence.

Family alleges rape, murder

The victim’s family members alleged that she was lured by the suspects who promised to give her chips, snacks, and soft drinks adding that she was raped by two men before being killed and thrown down in Basement-2, reported the Times of India.

"There were no clothes on her body, and there was bleeding from her head and face. It seemed that her hands and legs were also broken. She was raped and murdered," said the father of the victim.

The report quoting sources further stated that that prima facie that the injuries on the victim does not seem to be caused by a fall but she might have been hit on the head with an iron rod.