A heinous crime shook the city of Kolkata, India, on November 30, 2024, when a seven-month-old baby girl was allegedly raped on Wednesday. The infant, daughter of a homeless couple, was found crying on a footpath near a public toilet at Beadon Street, prompting local residents to alert the police at about 01:45hrs. Upon receiving the information, the police rushed to the spot and found the baby girl with severe injuries.

The baby was immediately taken to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, where doctors confirmed the sexual assault. Doctors were shocked by medical examination that revealed injury marks near the baby's private parts and several scratch marks on her body, indicating sexual molestation said the police officer. The police officer handling the case stated that the initial investigation revealed that the baby was picked up from the footpath, taken somewhere, and raped, possibly by vagabonds.

The police launched a comprehensive investigation, scanning CCTV footage and interviewing locals. They used "Walking Gait" analysis to compare the accused's walking pattern with a man caught on CCTV. After a thorough examination, they arrested Rajib Ghosh, 34, alias Gobra, from a resort in Gopiballavpur, Jhargram, where he worked as a cleaner. Ghosh was charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and sections of the Indian Penal Code as per the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), specifically for crimes related to the sexual assault of a minor.

The police collected circumstantial evidence and thoroughly examined CCTV footage, which showed the accused crossing the crime scene nine times. The police synchronized the CCTV footage with statements from 110 local witnesses and pursued targeted leads to advance the investigation. The accused was identified and brought to Kolkata for further interrogation. The police are exploring the possibility of other individuals involved in the crime and are conducting further investigations.

The baby is currently stable and undergoing treatment at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with demands for severe punishment for the perpetrator. The police have registered a case under stringent sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Kolkata Police's detective department launched a comprehensive investigation post the complaint, along with local police. The incident highlights the need for increased vigilance and safety measures to protect vulnerable members of society.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)