A quiet neighbourhood in Darbhanga was gripped by shock and anger on Sunday after a six-year-old girl was found raped and murdered near a pond, hours after she went missing while playing with other children.

The incident took place late Saturday night. According to the family, the child had stepped out in the evening to play with two girls of similar age, but did not return home. As darkness fell and the search intensified, panic spread among relatives and neighbo

After hours of searching, locals were drawn to a deserted area near a pond by the sound of barking dogs. When they reached the spot, they found the girl’s body lying in a pool of blood. The police were informed immediately.

Officers from the University police station rushed to the scene and sent the body for post-mortem examination. Senior Superintendent of Police Jagunath Reddy also reached the spot and took charge of the investigation. Teams from the forensic science laboratory and the cyber cell were deployed to collect evidence.

“A six-year-old child’s body has been recovered. We are conducting a thorough investigation and all teams have been pressed into service,” SSP Reddy said.

CCTV FOOTAGE LEADS TO ARREST

During questioning, the police learnt that three children had been playing together near the pond. The accused allegedly tried to catch all of them, but managed to seize only one before dragging her into a dark area. The other two children escaped and later narrated the incident to their families.

The children told the police that they recognised the man. Investigators then showed them CCTV footage from nearby areas, following which they identified the suspect as Vikas Mahto.

Police teams raided his residence and arrested him. Officers said bloodstains were found on his clothes at the time of his arrest. He has been taken into custody for questioning.

FAMILY ALLEGES ASSAULT AND NEGLECT

The victim’s relatives alleged that the child was sexually assaulted before being killed.

“Our daughter went missing in the evening. We searched everywhere. Later, her body was found near the pond. She was raped and then murdered,” a family member said.

They claimed that the condition of the body indicated severe violence and demanded strict punishment for the accused.

SSP Reddy said the exact sequence of events would be clear only after the post-mortem report is received.

“The findings of the medical examination will help establish the facts,” he said.

PROTESTS ERUPT, ROADS BLOCKED

Anger over the crime spilled onto the streets on Sunday, with residents blocking a main road near Sundarpur Bela Temple and demanding swift justice. Protesters called for the accused to be handed over to them, raising slogans against the administration.

Heavy police deployment was made in the area to prevent any untoward incident. Senior officers held talks with the protesters and assured them of strict action.

Late on Saturday night, SSP Reddy had also visited the crime scene and promised the family that no one involved would be spared.

INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

Police said multiple teams are working on the case and examining all available evidence, including CCTV footage, witness statements and forensic reports.

The authorities have urged people to maintain peace and allow the investigation to proceed.

The post-mortem report is awaited and is expected to play a crucial role in the case.