Father arrested for beating 12-year-old daughter to death over candy theft

 

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By Sumesh Rajan | March 30, 2026

Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, INDIA: In a shocking case of domestic violence, a 12-year-old girl was allegedly beaten to death by her father in Ratanpur village of Bulandshahr district after he accused her of stealing a packet of candy from a local grocery shop, police said.

The victim, identified as Pooja Rani, was a Class 6 student at a government primary school and the eldest among four siblings. The incident reportedly took place on March 27, shortly after the Navratri festivities.

According to police officials, Pooja had gone to a nearby shop to buy candy but allegedly took a packet without paying. The shopkeeper later informed her father, Pushpendra alias Pappu Sharma, a milkman by profession. Enraged by the allegation, he allegedly assaulted the child with a stick in a fit of rage.

Family members said the assault was brutal and prolonged. Pooja’s mother, Aarti Devi, who tried to intervene, also sustained injuries. “In a fit of anger, my husband started beating her with a stick. I begged him to stop, but he hit me too,” Aarti told police.

The situation worsened after the assault, as the accused reportedly confined his wife and children inside the house to prevent them from seeking help. He later fled the scene, locking the house from outside.

Aarti managed to alert neighbours after the accused left the premises. Police were informed the following morning, and an FIR was registered at the Narora police station based on her complaint.

Pooja succumbed to her injuries, police confirmed.

Narora Station House Officer Ganga Prasad Arya said the accused was arrested on Sunday March 29. “The weapon used in the crime, a stick, has been recovered at the instance of the accused,” he said.

Superintendent of Police (Rural) Tejveer Singh stated that a case of murder has been registered against the accused, and further investigation is underway.

The incident has triggered widespread outrage, highlighting ongoing concerns over domestic violence and crimes against children in the country. Authorities have assured strict legal action in the case.