Chhattisgarh SHOCKER: 6-year-old out for 'Kanya Pujan' tortured, raped and killed by uncle in Durg, her body found with cigarette burns, bites and scratches

A shocking incident was reported from Chhattisgarh where a 6-year-old girl was raped and murdered by her 24-year-old uncle in Durg.

The police said, on Sunday (April 6), the minor had visited her grandmother's house to participate in the Kanya Pujan, but failed to return home. Her worried parents began searching for her in the afternoon, but found no trace of her in the neighbourhood. They reported her missing to the police in the evening.

As search efforts intensified, tension grew in the locality. Later, her body was discovered in a car parked near her grandmother's home. Her body was covered in cigarette burns, bites and scratches and the medical report confirmed sexual assault, the police said.

Angered by the incident, residents and family members of the victim tried to burn down the house of the car owner, although he was later cleared as a suspect. Police have arrested the child’s uncle, who admitted the crime during investigation.

Initial investigation indicated the possibility of more than one person involved in the rape, torture and murder.

The situation remains tense in the area, prompting heavy police deployment to prevent further unrest.

Durg Additional Superintendent of Police Sukhnandan Rathore told reporters that a special team of officers questioned the three detained suspects. Two of the three suspects, including the car owner, were let go after questioning.

However, the police grew suspicious of the girl's uncle, who was reportedly giving evasive and misleading answers. During interrogation, he confessed to the crime, according to police.

The accused told investigators that he took the girl to the terrace of the same house she had visited for the Kanya Pujan and killed her there. Knowing that a door of a neighbour’s car had a faulty lock, he placed her body inside without needing a key, the police said.

The accused uncle has been charged with rape and murder under the BNS and POCSO Act.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai called the incident "inhumane" and vowed to ensure strict punishment for those behind the incident.

"The inhumane incident that happened with the innocent girl in Urla of Durg district cannot be condemned enough. This is an act that tarnishes humanity and deeply hurts the civilised society. Such criminals have no place in society. We will ensure that the criminals get the harshest punishment within the time limit," he wrote on X (previously known as Twitter).

"Some suspects are being questioned in police custody. Necessary instructions have been given to the officers. My deepest condolences to the family of the victim. I pray to God for the peace of the departed soul and to provide strength to the bereaved family," he said.