World

Girl, 5, abducted and raped after being 'lured by sweets' on way home from school

The young girl was found gagged with a pillow case in a sack after allegedly being lured into the man’s house on her way home from school as he offered her sweets

A five-year-old girl was allegedly abducted, raped and stuffed inside a sack on her way home from school before being dumped.

The incident took place in India’s Chhattisgarh’s Durg district, local police confirmed, after a 35-year-old man was arrested.

According to reports, the incident unfolded on Friday afternoon, when the girl, returning from school, went to a nearby shop for chocolates.

Investigators said the suspect, lured her to his house by “offering sweets”.

“When the girl did not return home for a long time, her family members and villagers began searching.

“After two hours, two youths noticed movement inside a sack near a well. On opening it, they found the child gagged with a pillow cover and in shock,” a police officer said.

After a medical examination, Sub‑Divisional Officer of Police Anoop Lakra confirmed the assault.

The five-year-old is now in a “stable condition.”

As per local media, the accused was taken into custody.

Lakra added that forensic experts have collected evidence from the scene and “further investigation is underway.”

Widespread anger spread through the community after news of the horrific incident.

Local reports said that people gathered outside the police station to protest.

Authorities have assured that the case will be pursued with urgency.

The man remains in custody while police continue to gather witness statements and forensic proof.