A 10-year-old girl, who was brutally sexually assaulted by a 36-year-old man in the Jhagadia taluka of Bharuch district, has succumbed to her injuries on Monday. The victim, from an immigrant family, suffered two cardiac arrests within three hours at Sayaji Hospital in Vadodara, where she had been receiving treatment for the past eight days.
The incident occurred on December 16 when the girl was found in a critical condition near her house. She was initially taken to Jayaben Hospital in Ankleshwar and then transferred to Bharuch Civil Hospital before being shifted to Sayaji Hospital in Vadodara for specialised care.
Dr Hitesh Chauhan, the Resident Medical Officer at Sayaji Hospital, stated that the first cardiac arrest occurred around 2:00 pm and the medical team successfully stabilised her. However, a second cardiac arrest occurred at approximately 5:15 pm, which led to her death. The girl was declared dead at 6:15 PM.
The accused, Vijay Paswan, a native of Jharkhand who worked in the same factory as the victim’s father, has been arrested. Police investigations revealed that Paswan, who lived near the girl’s house, had sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions, including a previous incident last month.
The assault inflicted severe injuries to the girl’s private parts, including the insertion of an iron rod. Despite the best efforts by a team of 10 specialist doctors at Sayaji Hospital, the girl’s condition deteriorated due to complications, including an infection.
Opposition on Incident
The tragic incident has sparked outrage and condemnation from opposition leaders. Gujarat Congress President and Rajya Sabha MP Shaktisinh Gohil on Sunday visited the hospital to inquire about the victim’s condition and express his deep concern.
Gohil described the crime as “extremely inhumane” and called it a “shameful incident” that demands strong condemnation. He emphasised that such crimes must not be tolerated, regardless of where they occur.
Gohil also extended his gratitude to a Jharkhand party leader who provided financial assistance to the victim’s family and urged the state government to provide full support to the bereaved family.
The police have filed charges against Paswan under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Also Read: Vadodara: Shaktisinh Gohil Meets 10-Year-Old Rape Survivor, Calls It ‘Extremely Inhumane’
