In northeast Delhi’s Bhajanpura, a six-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped by three minor boys aged 10, 13, and 14 on 18 January 2026, leaving her severely injured and traumatised; two suspects are in custody while the third remains absconding.
The incident unfolded on the evening of 18 January 2026 in the densely populated lanes of Bhajanpura, a working-class neighbourhood in northeast Delhi. The young victim, who lives with her parents and three siblings, was returning home from her aunt’s house around 7 pm when she was reportedly lured by three boys she knew well.
These boys, regular playmates from the same locality, allegedly enticed her to a secluded terrace or abandoned spot nearby.
According to the girl’s mother, the child returned home in a distressing state-bleeding heavily from her private parts and initially unable to walk properly. At first, the frightened girl claimed she had fallen down, a common excuse children use to avoid trouble.
However, persistent questioning by her concerned mother revealed the horrifying truth: the boys had tied her hands, gagged her mouth, and taken turns assaulting her. Bloodstains were later found at the scene, corroborating the survivor’s account, and forensic evidence was collected by the police.
The assault left the child in immense physical pain and emotional shock. She underwent a medical examination at a nearby hospital, where injuries consistent with sexual assault were confirmed.
Counselling sessions were arranged to help her cope with the trauma, though experts warn that the psychological scars could last a lifetime. The family, already struggling financially-the father works as a rickshaw puller-has been shattered; he has stopped working to stay by his daughter’s side as she recovers at home.
Family’s Anguish and Delayed Reporting
The survivor’s family only approached the police the following day, registering a formal complaint that led to the immediate filing of a case under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The delay in reporting, common in such sensitive cases involving known perpetrators, highlights the stigma and fear families often face. The mother, speaking anonymously to media, expressed profound betrayal: these were boys her daughter played with daily, turning a sense of community safety into a nightmare.
The father’s anguish has been palpable in public appeals for justice. He has demanded strict action, even questioning whether the accused should be tried as adults given the brutality of the crime.
The family’s modest home has become a site of quiet grief, with the young girl now physically stable but withdrawn, struggling to process the violation of her innocence at such a tender age.
Police Response and Investigation
Delhi Police acted swiftly after the complaint, apprehending the 10-year-old and 13-year-old boys on 19 January. The two were produced before the Juvenile Justice Board, where procedures for minor accused focusing on rehabilitation rather than punitive measures-were initiated.
The case was transferred to Bhajanpura police station for a thorough probe, involving CCTV footage analysis and witness statements.
The 14-year-old, identified as the eldest, reportedly fled to his native place in Bihar soon after the incident. Police teams have conducted multiple raids, but as of 30 January 2026, he remains at large. Authorities have assured the family that efforts to nab him are intensive, with no stone left unturned.
A senior police official stated that all protocols for juvenile cases are being followed meticulously, including sensitivity towards both the victim and the accused.
Public Outcry and Protests
The case sparked immediate outrage in the locality. The victim’s family, supported by neighbours and local residents, staged road blockades demanding faster justice and the arrest of the fleeing accused. Hindu organisations joined the protests, amplifying calls for accountability.
The incident has reverberated beyond Bhajanpura, drawing condemnation from celebrities like actress Bhumi Pednekar, who took to social media expressing heartbreak and urging society to “wake up.
“This is not an isolated tragedy; India continues to grapple with rising cases of child sexual abuse, many perpetrated by juveniles. Official data from the National Crime Records Bureau highlights a disturbing trend where familiarity breeds danger-most abusers are known to the victim.
The involvement of such young perpetrators raises alarming questions about exposure to inappropriate content, lack of supervision, and failure to instil values of respect and consent from an early age.
The Logical Indian Perspective
At its core, this incident exposes deep-rooted societal failures. Experts point to unchecked access to pornography, absent parental guidance, and a culture that often normalises violence against women and girls.
Juvenile justice laws, designed to protect and reform young offenders, are crucial yet challenged in cases of extreme brutality, sparking debates on amendments for heinous crimes.
Education emerges as a critical tool: comprehensive sex education in schools, teaching boundaries, empathy, and gender equality from primary levels. Community vigilance-neighbours watching out for children, reporting suspicious behaviour-can prevent such betrayals of trust.
Moreover, faster investigations, victim support systems, and counselling for affected families are essential to restore faith in the system.
The Logical Indian condemns this horrific crime and stands in solidarity with the survivor and her family. We believe true progress lies in fostering kindness, dialogue, and empathy across communities.
