Jalandhar, Nov 23: A 14-year-old girl was found dead in the washroom of her neighbour’s house in Paras Estate on Leather Complex Road around midnight on Saturday, sparking outrage in the area. The girl had been reported missing earlier by her family. CCTV footage later revealed that she had entered the neighbour’s house.
Residents alleged that police who first visited the house conducted only a brief check before leaving, failing to launch a thorough investigation. “Had the police responded properly, there was a possibility of rescuing the girl safely,” said ex-MLA and BJP leader Sheetal Angural.
The accused, reportedly in his 50s and a father of two, was arrested by Basti Bawa Khel police. During the arrest, police had to shield him from angry locals. ADCP-1 Akarshi Jain reached the site to control the crowd and ensure the suspect was taken into custody.
An autopsy is expected on Sunday morning to determine the cause of death, believed to be strangulation, and to check for signs of sexual assault.
