Three minors assaulted in five days; women’s safety under scrutiny in Gujarat

Concerns over the safety of women and minor girls in Gujarat have resurfaced after three minors were sexually assaulted within a span of five days. The incidents were reported from Atkot in Rajkot district, Gandhinagar, and Bhavnagar, prompting questions about policing and child protection in the state.

According to available information, minor girls were sexually assaulted in Gandhinagar and Bhavnagar, while a six-year-old girl from Atkot remains in critical condition and is receiving treatment at a government hospital.

Five-year-old assaulted in Gandhinagar

In Gandhinagar’s Sector-24 area, a five-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by an unidentified man. Police said the incident occurred at night when the child had gone to use a washroom. The girl later informed her family, following which a complaint was lodged.

Police officials said four suspects have been detained for questioning and further investigation is underway.

Bhavnagar case: retired government official booked

On the same day, police in Bhavnagar registered a case against a 60-year-old retired government official for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor girl. Preliminary information suggests the accused was alone at home at the time, as his wife and son were out of town.

Police said the investigation is ongoing.

Atkot assault leaves child hospitalised

Around three days earlier, a six-year-old girl in the Atkot area of Jasdan was allegedly sexually assaulted. She was admitted to a government hospital, where her condition remains critical, officials said.

The incident led to concern among residents and renewed focus on child safety measures in the area.

Political context and response

The incidents have drawn political attention, with opposition leaders referring to earlier protests by the state leadership over crimes against women outside Gujarat. They have sought clarity on the government’s response to recent cases within the state.

No detailed statement addressing all three incidents had been issued by the state government at the time of reporting.

Crime against women in Gujarat

Police data shows that crimes against women continue to be reported in significant numbers across Gujarat. Over the past nine years, more than 72,467 cases related to crimes against women have been registered in the state. These include kidnapping, rape, domestic violence, dowry deaths, exploitation, and acid attacks.

On average, more than 8,000 crimes against women are registered in Gujarat each year, according to official records. The recent cases involving minors have once again highlighted concerns over enforcement, investigation, and the effectiveness of measures aimed at ensuring the safety of women and children.

Serious questions have been raised about the safety of women and minor girls in Gujarat, as three innocent children have been subjected to brutal sexual assault within just five days. Incidents reported from Atkot, Gandhinagar and Bhavnagar have exposed the alarming state of law and order.

In Gandhinagar and Bhavnagar, minor girls were sexually assaulted, while the condition of the girl who was raped in Atkot remains critical. The fear of the khaki uniform appears to have vanished, emboldening anti-social elements. These horrific crimes committed in broad daylight have exposed the hollowness of the state government’s claims on women’s safety, as innocent children continue to fall victim to sexual violence.

Humanity was once again shamed when a five-year-old girl in Sector-24 of Gandhinagar was subjected to a barbaric act by an unidentified man. The incident occurred at night when the child had gone to use the washroom, during which the accused committed the sexual assault. The child later informed her family, after which the police were alerted. Police detained four suspects and have launched further investigation.

On the same day in Bhavnagar, a retired official allegedly took advantage of being alone at home and sexually assaulted a minor girl. The 60-year-old retired officer’s wife and son were out of town, and in their absence, he allegedly committed the heinous act against the child.

About three days earlier, in the Atkot area of Jasdan, a six-year-old girl was subjected to a brutal sexual assault. She is currently battling for her life at a government hospital. These shocking incidents of sexual violence against innocent children have laid bare the condition of Gujarat’s law and order system.

Some time ago, when a rape incident occurred in West Bengal, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel had staged a symbolic protest in Ahmedabad. Now, when women and innocent children are unsafe in so-called ‘Safe Gujarat’, the government has chosen to remain silent.

While slogans of women’s safety are being raised, police records show that more than 72,467 crimes against women have been registered in Gujarat over the past nine years. Alarmingly, cases of kidnapping, rape, domestic violence, dowry deaths, exploitation, and even acid attacks against women have increased. On average, more than 8,000 crimes against women are registered in Gujarat every year.