Mute girl brutally raped, burned

By Sumesh Rajan | April 23, 2025

 

Rampur, Uttar Pradesh India – In a chilling case that has shocked the conscience of the nation, an 11-year-old Dalit girl—deaf, mute, and mentally challenged—was found unconscious and brutally assaulted in a field in Uttar Pradesh’s Rampur district on the morning of April 16, 2025.

The minor had gone missing on the evening of April 15 after stepping out to relieve herself. When she didn’t return, her family along with residents of the village began searching. Her father, a marginal farmer, even announced her disappearance through loudspeakers.

Tragically, the girl was discovered the next morning by a villager in a field just 500 meters from her home. She was found half-naked, bleeding, and unconscious. Her face was swollen and her clothes, which were soaked in blood, lay nearby. The sight horrified locals.

Medical officers confirmed horrifying signs of abuse: multiple injuries across her body, including around 17 bite marks and cigarette burns on her private parts. Doctors said her face had been struck with a blunt object, and she showed signs of extreme trauma and fear.

After initial treatment at the local health center, the child was referred to Moradabad and then to a higher medical facility in Meerut due to the severity of her condition.

Police launched an investigation under the POCSO Act and sections of the IPC related to rape and grievous assault. CCTV footage and mobile surveillance data led police to a suspect: 24-year-old Dan Singh, a resident of the same village.

When officers attempted to arrest him, the suspect opened fire. In retaliatory action, he was injured and later apprehended. Investigators claim Singh was seen luring the girl away shortly before the incident. Authorities also confirmed the presence of electronic evidence linking him to the crime.

Rampur Police have confirmed that three dedicated teams are working the case. Forensic experts have inspected the crime scene, and further evidence collection is underway to determine whether more individuals were involved in the crime.

The survivor remains under specialized medical care, while her family is devastated. Her mother told officials that the child has been suffering seizures since the assault.

This case once again exposes the vulnerabilities of children—especially those with disabilities—in rural India. Public outrage is growing, with demands for swift justice and systemic reforms to protect the marginalized.