Ghaziabad Shocker: 4-Year-Old Girl Raped and Murder by Neighbour in Uttar Pradesh, Accused Injured in Police Encounter (Watch Video)

Ghaziabad, March 18: A 24-year-old man was arrested early Wednesday morning following the brutal rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in the Ghaziabad's Nandgram area. The suspect, identified as Gaurav Prajapati, was taken into custody after a police encounter in which he sustained gunshot wounds to both legs. The victim, who had been lured away from her home with the promise of sweets, was found dead in an isolated field on Monday night.

The victim went missing around 6:00 PM on Monday while playing with other children outside her home in Uttar Pradesh. Her father, a daily wage painter, returned from work an hour later to find his daughter gone. Neighborhood children informed the family that a neighbor, Prajapati, had taken the girl away to buy her chocolate. Ghaziabad Shocker: Woman Drugged and Raped Inside Ashram, Assault Filmed for Blackmail; Ashram Head and Aide Arrested, Main Accused on the Run.

Ghaziabad Rape Accused Injured in Police Encounter

A search party consisting of family members and local residents eventually located the child at approximately 8:45 PM in a vacant plot about 500 meters from her residence. She was found with severe head injuries and bleeding from her private parts. Despite being rushed to MMG Hospital, doctors declared her dead on arrival.

Police Encounter and Arrest

Following the discovery, Ghaziabad police formed five teams to track down the suspect. Early Wednesday at around 3:00 AM, police intercepted Prajapati near the crime scene. According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Ziauddin Ahmed, the suspect allegedly opened fire on officers with a concealed firearm while they were attempting to recover evidence. Ghaziabad Shocker: Man Rapes Minor Girl and Films Act, Arrested After Video Goes Viral on Social Media.

Police retaliated in self-defense, wounding Prajapati in the legs. He was subsequently arrested and moved to a local hospital for treatment. Authorities recovered a country-made pistol and ammunition from the site.

Investigation and Autopsy Findings

Preliminary autopsy findings indicate the child died due to a blunt force head injury, likely caused by being struck with a stone or brick. Medical examiners also noted approximately 11 other injuries, including abrasions and contusions across her body.

"The autopsy report indicates blood and injuries around the private parts," said Umesh Kumar, Station House Officer of Nandgram. While a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 103(1) (murder) and 238(a) (causing disappearance of evidence), officials stated that rape charges and provisions of the POCSO Act would be formally added once medical statements are finalized.

Community Reaction and Context

The incident has sparked significant outrage in the locality. On Tuesday, hundreds of residents and activists staged a protest outside the Nandgram police station, demanding the harshest possible punishment for the perpetrator.

The victim’s father, who has been raising his three children alone since 2022, has called for swift justice. "I want justice and nothing else," he told reporters, noting that his daughter frequently visited the neighbor's house to play, never suspecting the danger.

Women and Child Helpline Numbers:

Childline India – 1098; Missing Child and Women – 1094; Women’s Helpline – 181; National Commission for Women Helpline – 112; National Commission for Women Helpline Against Violence – 7827170170; Police Women and Senior Citizen Helpline – 1091/1291.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 18, 2026 10:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).