A 23-year-old man from Bharatpur district, Rajasthan, was reportedly arrested on Wednesday, October 22, for allegedly raping a four-year-old girl in Jodhpur’s Bilara town. Police identified the accused as a JCB operator named Sajid, who allegedly lured the child with a promise of toffees around 9 am before committing the assault.
The girl was found in a critical condition and taken to Bilara Hospital before being transferred to a government facility in Jodhpur for further treatment. A case has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the accused remains in custody as police investigation continues.
A Horrifying Morning in Bilara
According to the police, the incident occurred when the child was playing near her house in Bilara, a town located about 100 kilometres from Jodhpur city. Sajid, who was known to the victim’s family, allegedly approached her and persuaded her to accompany him by offering to buy her sweets. He then took her to a secluded spot, where he assaulted her and dropped her back before fleeing. The mother and the neighbors found the girl crying and in distress soon after.
Family members immediately rushed her to Bilara Hospital, where doctors administered emergency care. Due to the severity of her injuries, she was referred to a larger government hospital in Jodhpur for advanced treatment. As per media reports, the child remains hospitalised but is now stable and under constant observation.
Police Response and Investigation
The incident triggered immediate police action. Bilara Station House Officer (SHO) Sawai Singh Sodha confirmed that the accused was traced and arrested within hours, thanks to leads provided by residents. “The accused has been charged under the POCSO Act, and his interrogation is under way. We are collecting forensic evidence and witness statements to ensure a watertight case,” the officer told Hindustan Times.
Investigators revealed that Sajid had previously worked in the same village as a JCB operator and had travelled to Bilara recently to attend a mourning gathering for a former village head. Police suspect he was familiar with the child’s family through local connections, as one of their relatives also worked as a machine operator.
Widespread Anger and Community Uproar
The assault has sparked immense outrage in Bilara and surrounding areas. Soon after the news broke, residents staged spontaneous protests demanding the harshest punishment for the perpetrator. Several markets and shops in Bilara were reportedly shut in solidarity with the victim’s family, while community leaders organised demonstrations outside the local police station.
Protesters demanded not only swift justice but also measures to improve safety for children in rural areas. Women’s rights groups and child protection activists have echoed these concerns, urging the government to strengthen awareness and surveillance efforts in small towns.
Voices of Pain and Support
The victim’s family remains traumatised as they await her recovery. Relatives told local reporters that they are heartbroken and hope that justice will be swift. “Our daughter is innocent. She did not even understand what happened to her,” one family member told media.
Meanwhile, social welfare organisations in Rajasthan have extended support, offering counselling and financial help for the girl’s treatment. Police patrolling in Bilara has been increased, and a dedicated helpline has been set up to respond to child safety complaints more promptly.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The brutal assault of a four-year-old girl in Bilara is a heartbreaking reminder that violence against children continues to plague Indian society. It calls for not only immediate punishment for offenders but also long-term societal reform.
True justice will only be achieved when communities actively engage in creating safe, nurturing environments for children. While the swift response from authorities offers some reassurance, preventing such crimes in future requires empathy, education, and active community participation.