The police have initiated an investigation into the rape and murder of a 14-year-old girl, whose body was found near a school in Malwadi village of Sangli on Friday morning.
Apart from spreading panic in the area, the incident triggered a slew of rumours on social media, which suggested that the girl was raped and murdered because she belonged to a particular caste.
Taking a serious view, the police began blocking such posts.
Action under cyber law
The Superintendent of Police, Sangli, Dattatray Shinde, sent out a message on social media on Saturday morning, negating all rumours.
“I request all responsible citizens not to believe such posts. Kindly do not forward such posts, delete them and inform the police about such rumour-mongers. We will take action under cyber laws against those who are trying to disturb social harmony and law and order by bringing ill-will amongst the people,” he added.
According to the Sangli police, the girl was staying with her mother and sister in Bhilawadi village in Sangli, which is around 150 metres from where her body was found.
“The girl walked out of her house on Thursday night following an argument with her mother and did not return. Her mother assumed she might have gone to a relative’s place.”
“On Friday morning, the victim was found dead by the side of the road near the public school in Malwadi,” said Inspector-General of Police, Kolhapur range, Vishwas Nangre Patil,
The victim was taken to a local government hospital, where she was declared brought dead.
By this time, her mother also approached the police, and was directed to the hospital, where she identified the body.
Post-mortem examination revealed that the girl had been sexually assaulted and smothered to death.
Police meet locals
The Bhilawadi police immediately began investigations in the area, making inquiries with residents as well as some labourers who work and stay in sugarcane fields close to where the body was found.
“A man had been harassing her. That angle is being probed,” Mr. Nangre Patil said.
The Bhilawadi police have registered a case of rape and murder under the Indian Penal Code as well as sexual assault on a minor under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
