In a deeply disturbing case reported from northeast Delhi’s Dayalpur area, a nine-year-old girl was found dead under suspicious circumstances on Saturday evening. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with police confirming that the primary suspect is a 30-year-old neighbor who has since gone into hiding.
According to officials, the child—a student of Class 5—had left home around 7 p.m. to deliver ice to a nearby relative. On her way, she was allegedly approached by the accused, who asked her to bring back house keys he claimed to have dropped on the road. Locals suspect this was a deliberate attempt to lure the child.
When the girl failed to return, her family launched a search. About 30 minutes later, a relative reported having seen her enter a nearby building. Upon reaching the second-floor flat where the accused resided, they found it locked. A man claiming to be the accused’s brother promised to fetch the key from a local shop but fled the scene when accompanied by a family member.
Suspicious of foul play, the family broke into the locked flat and found a suitcase inside, which contained the child’s unresponsive body with visible injuries. She was rushed to a nearby nursing facility, where doctors declared her dead on arrival. Preliminary observations from medical staff indicated trauma and alleged abuse.
Joint Commissioner of Police (East) Vijay Kumar said the police were informed at 8:41 p.m., and a case was registered under sections related to serious harm and child protection laws. An autopsy report is awaited to confirm the exact cause of death, though police suspect suffocation or similar causes.
The accused, identified as a married man originally from Hapur in Uttar Pradesh and working as a mini-goods vehicle driver, is currently absconding. Multiple police teams are conducting raids to locate him.
The incident has triggered protests in the locality. On Saturday night, residents reportedly vandalized the accused’s property. On Sunday, around 200 people staged a protest at Dayalpur Nala Road, causing traffic disruptions. Security forces, including personnel from the Tripura State Rifles, have been deployed to maintain order.
Political leaders have also weighed in. Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal criticized the current administration for a deteriorating law and order situation. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva condemned the crime and urged swift justice but accused the opposition of politicizing the tragedy.
The young girl is survived by her parents, grandparents, and two younger brothers.
