Tamil Nadu: Three-year-old child dies after sexual assault, Bihar migrant worker arrested

Chennai: In a horrific incident in Tamil Nadu, a three-year-old girl died following a sexual assault in Thiruvallur district, sparking public outrage over the rising number of crimes against women and children in the state.

A migrant worker from Bihar has been arrested in connection with the case, police said. The child's family, also hailing from Bihar, resided in the SIPCOT industrial area of Gummidipoondi.

On Sunday (June 14), the little girl was found abandoned in a bushy area with severe injuries. She was rushed to the hospital but succumbed during treatment.

Police stated that the child was acquainted with the accused, who lured her by offering biscuits. "The child knew him. He gave her biscuits, took her away, and sexually assaulted her," a senior police officer said.

The accused was reportedly caught by locals and handed over to the police. An angry mob allegedly assaulted a few other individuals out of anger.

However, the police dismissed allegations that more than one person was involved in the heinous crime. "This is not a gang-rape case. Only one individual is involved," the officer added.

Indumathi, a local resident, said, "The child was at home. The man gave her biscuits and took her away. Later, a woman spotted her abandoned in the bushes. When the child was cleaned up, her condition was found to be critical."

The police initially registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Following the child's death, murder charges are also likely to be added.