Yasmeen was allegedly set on fire by police constable Prakash Jaroliya
An assistant sub inspector (ASI) was today arrested on murder charges of an 11-year-old girl who succumbed to her burn injuries after she is said to have set herself on fire after being allegedly thrashed by the policeman.
The girl, identified as Yasmeen, was found burnt under mysterious conditions at her house after she was allegedly thrashed by the accused, Prakash Jaroliya, in a full public view at Sikandarabad Colony three days ago.
ASI Jaroliya was arrested following a massive protest by people, and has since been suspended. Ironically, he was attached to attached to the Crime against Women Cell.
"ASI Prakash Jaroliya badly thrashed Yasmeen in a full public view at Sikandarabad Colony after she rode his bicycle without his permission three days back. He allegedly also threatened her that he will implicate the minor and her family in a cycle theft case and get them jailed," city Superintendent of Police RC Rajput told PTI today.
After the incident, Yasmeen was found burnt under mysterious circumstances at her home when she was reportedly alone while ASI Jaroliya along with his family became untraceable.
"The mother of the deceased, Rehama Bi recorded her statement today alleging that the ASI had burnt her daughter. Thereafter, we booked the ASI under Section 302 (murder) of IPC and arrested him. Further investigations into the case are on," Superintendent Rajput said.
IG (Indore range) of Crime against Women Cell, RP Shrivastava said Dhar district Superintendent of Police has suspended Jaroliya since he was posted there.
He said though the accused was posted there he has been attached to the Crime against Women Cell here for last three months as the office here is facing shortage of staff.
Hundreds of locals gheroed Sadar Bazaar police station last evening demanding Jaroliya's arrest. They dispersed after a senior police officer assured them of the ASI's arrest.
According to reports, Yasmeen was a bright student of class V.
Few minutes before she succumbed to her burn wounds, the girl had reportedly told her mother and family that the ASI had burnt her after dousing her with kerosene. Her statement was recorded by one of her relatives in his mobile phone.