The accused (35), was arrested today from Delhi's Vikaspuri area. (Representational Image)
A 10-month-old infant was sexually assaulted by a neighbour in west Delhi's Vikaspuri area, police said today.
The infant girl, whose parents work as construction labourers was kidnapped by another construction labourer who stays near their hut when her parents were asleep last night, said a senior police officer.
The child's family stays in slums near DDA Park in Vikaspuri. The infant was kidnapped and the accused took her to a jungle nearby and sexually assaulted her, added the officer.
When the girl's mother realised that her child was missing, she raised a hue and cry and their neighbours then called the police. Three constables searched for the girl who was later found lying in the bushes around 12.30 am. She was rushed to DDU Hospital where she is currently undergoing treatment and her condition is stable, police said.
A case under section 376 of the Indian Penal Code (rape) and relevant sections of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) has been registered, police said.
The accused, Vijay (35) was arrested today from the area. He works as a labourer and belongs to Bihar, said the officer. The girl's family belongs to Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh and had been staying in the area for the last three-four months.
The accused wasn't known to the child's family, police said.
DCW chief Swati Maliwal met the infant today at DDU Hospital and tweeted about the brutal incident. "Couldn't dare to look at her face. Been operated upon. Can't imagine her suffering. Parents v poor laborers (sic)," she said.