A nine-year-old girl was allegedly raped while returning home from school with her 11-year-old brother in Madhya Pradesh's Bhind district on Tuesday afternoon, police said. Her brother was also allegedly attacked when he tried to protect her. The incident took place in broad daylight and has prompted police action in the district.
According to the report, the girl and her elder brother were returning home from school when they encountered the accused. The man allegedly targeted the girl while her brother was present. When the 11-year-old attempted to intervene and protect his sister, the accused allegedly assaulted him as well. The children subsequently reached home and the matter was brought to the attention of their family, following which the police were informed.
Police have launched an investigation into the alleged sexual assault and are taking further action in the case. The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of children travelling to and from schools, particularly in areas where they may have to cover isolated stretches without adult supervision. The identity of the child has been withheld in accordance with legal provisions protecting the privacy of survivors of sexual offences.