A case of alleged sexual assault involving a seven-year-old girl has been reported from Bhunerheri village in Patiala district, according to police officials who confirmed the incident on Sunday.
Police said the incident allegedly took place on Saturday evening. After the matter came to light, the child was immediately taken to a hospital for medical examination and treatment. She remained under medical care at the time of reporting.
Following statements recorded from the victim’s family, police registered a criminal case at the Rural Police Station against Pritam Singh, a resident of Bhunerheri village. The case has been filed under Section 65(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Police officials said the accused had not been arrested as of the filing of the report, despite raids conducted at locations where he was believed to be staying. Efforts to trace and apprehend him are continuing.
According to the preliminary investigation, the incident allegedly occurred when the minor girl had gone outside her home to play. Police said that around 4:45 p.m., the accused, Pritam Singh, who was locally known as “Amrood Wala Uncle,” allegedly took the girl to his house on the pretext of giving her something to eat.
Investigators stated that the accused allegedly took the child into a room and sexually assaulted her. The girl later returned home and informed her family members about the incident, following which the police were alerted.
Police have launched a detailed investigation and are continuing efforts to locate the accused.