Gujarat Child Kidnapping-Murder Accused Dies in Police Firing After Alleged Escape Bid

The main accused in the kidnapping and murder of a four-year-old girl in Gujarat's Anand district died after police opened fire when he allegedly attacked escorting officers with a knife and attempted to escape from custody, police said on Monday.

Suresh Parmar was arrested by Borsad Rural Police within hours of the crime and was later handed over to the Anand Local Crime Branch for further investigation into the abduction and murder.

Alleged Escape Attempt Ends in Police Firing

According to police, the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday while Parmar was being taken to Vasad as part of the investigation. During the journey, he allegedly complained of vomiting, prompting officers to stop the police vehicle by the roadside.

Police said Parmar suddenly produced a knife and attacked the escorting officers in an attempt to flee. Two police personnel, identified as Rajveersinh and Mahipalsinh, sustained injuries and were admitted to hospital for treatment.

Officials said Police Sub-Inspector Rana repeatedly warned the accused to surrender and drop the weapon. However, Parmar allegedly continued attacking the officers, following which police opened fire in self-defence.

The injured accused was taken to Karamsad Hospital, where he later died during treatment. The two injured policemen remain under medical care.

Child's Body Found Near Railway Station

The encounter came a day after Parmar's arrest in connection with the kidnapping and murder of a four-year-old girl whose body was recovered near Vasad railway station in Anand district.

The child had reportedly gone missing while her family, which had recently arrived in the area, was living near the railway station and surviving by collecting recyclable waste.

Forensic Probe Continues

The recovery of the child's body sparked widespread public outrage and raised suspicions of sexual assault. However, senior police officials, including Vadodara Division Railway Police Deputy Superintendent G.S. Baraiya, said any confirmation of sexual assault would depend on the findings of the post-mortem examination and forensic evidence.

Police are continuing their investigation under relevant provisions relating to kidnapping and murder, with the exact nature of the offence expected to be established through forensic and medical reports.