A day of celebration turned into a nightmare for a family in northeast Delhi ’s Nehru Vihar. On Eid, when most families were enjoying the festivities, a 9-year-old girl stepped out to fetch ice for her family’s meal. She never came back and was allegedly rape d by her neighbour, Naushad.
Hours later, she was found unconscious, half-naked, and stuffed inside a suitcase in a neighbour’s locked flat. She was rushed to the hospital but died during treatment. Police suspect she may have been sexually assaulted.
The young girl had gone to her grandmother’s house, just 20 houses away, on Saturday evening. When she didn’t return, her parents grew worried. After checking with family and neighbours, they learned she never made it to her grandmother’s home.
Some neighbours said they saw the girl enter a flat nearby. When the family reached that flat, it was locked from the outside. Sensing something was wrong, they broke open the door. Inside, they found a suitcase with blood stains—and slight movement. They opened it and discovered the girl, unconscious and seriously injured and reportedly raped.
She was immediately taken to a nearby clinic, which referred her to a larger hospital. Despite doctors’ best efforts, she could not be saved.
Police Confirm Suspected Assault
Delhi Police’s Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northeast) Ashish Mishra said police received a call about the suspected assault around 8:41 p.m. on Saturday. “When our team reached the spot, they found the girl unconscious. She was rushed to the hospital, where doctors declared her dead,” he said.
Initial examination revealed injuries to her face and other signs that point to sexual assault. A post-mortem report is awaited to confirm the details.
Who Is the Suspect?
The main suspect in the rape is a man named Naushad, who lived in the same flat where the girl was found. He works as a biryani seller and was alone at home that evening. His wife was away visiting her parents. Police have launched a search for him and have formed six teams to track him down. Raids are being carried out across Delhi and parts of Uttar Pradesh, including Ghaziabad and Hapur. The girl’s body has been sent for post-mortem, and results are expected soon.
Community in Shock, Demands Justice
The news of rape has left the local community in shock. Neighbours gathered outside the girl’s home for a candlelight vigil, demanding immediate action and justice.
“This isn’t just a crime against one child,” said a resident. “It’s a crime against all of us. She went out to help her mother and never came back. We want the harshest punishment for the person responsible.”
The Delhi Commission for Women has taken up the case and is seeking detailed reports from the police. The family is also being offered counselling support.
