A deeply disturbing incident from Agra has left the community shaken. On May 18, a five-year-old girl was raped inside a temple by a man named Pavitra, also known as Pammi.
The child had been playing near the temple, close to her home, when the accused, a neighbour, allegedly lured her inside and committed the crime.
Her cries were heard by her grandmother, who rushed to the temple. The accused tried to escape by pushing her aside, but she raised an alarm.
Local residents quickly gathered, caught the man, and handed him over to the police. CCTV footage of the incident has since gone viral on social media, confirming the crime.
Initially, the police released the accused after his family claimed he was mentally unwell. This move drew heavy criticism from the community.
However, after public outrage and the emergence of the video evidence, he was re-arrested. Officials later confirmed that the earlier mental health claim was false and that the man works at a local medical store.
This case has led to serious concerns over how sensitive incidents involving children are handled. While the authorities have now registered a case, the initial delay raises questions about accountability.
It is essential that no assumptions be made about an accused’s mental state without proper medical evaluation.
The five-year-old girl has undergone a medical examination and is recovering. People are urging the agencies dedicated to child welfare, including national commissions, to ensure that the child and her family receive every form of support to help them heal and seek justice.
