Aligarh (UP): As outrage escalated over the killing of a toddler whose mutilated body was found in a garbage dump here, the Uttar Pradesh police on Friday suspended five of their men for negligence.
The policemen were suspended for alleged delay in registering the case after the girl was reported missing, and also for delaying the probe which eventually led to the discovery of her body on June 2, officials said.
The two-and-a-half-year-old had gone missing from Tappal township on May 30. Her body was found three days later in a garbage dump near her house.
The post-mortem examination confirmed death due to strangulation. It has not found any sign of sexual assault but this cannot be ruled out at this stage.
The murder over the repayment of a Rs 10,000-loan triggered a massive outrage on social media, with political leaders and celebrities tweeting their disgust and anger over the brutality of the crime. Some children also took out a candle-light march in Aligarh. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has sought a report from the district administration.
Replying to questions from reporters in Lucknow, ADG (Law and Order) Anand Kumar said, “The case will be fast-tracked. POCSO will also be included in the FIR. As of now sexual assault is not ruled out.”
He said vaginal swabs have been sent for forensic examination. Aligarh Senior Superintendent of Police Akash Kulhari too said vaginal swab and slides have been sent to a forensic science laboratory. The SSP said a decision on adding the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act will be taken after the report comes. ADG Kumar said the body was sent for postmortem examination more than 72 hours after the death.
“Entry of maggots have been found.” Tappal police station officials registered the case on May 31, a day after she had gone missing. Two suspects have been arrested and police say the case is a fallout of a monetary dispute. (PTI)
