Delhi Minor Selling Roses Sexually Assaulted; E-Rickshaw Driver Arrested

NEW DELHI – In a harrowing incident that has once again raised concerns over the safety of minors in the national capital, an 11-year-old girl was allegedly abducted and sexually assaulted in Central Delhi.

The victim, who earns a living selling roses at traffic signals, was lured away under the pretext of a bulk purchase before being brutalized.

The Delhi Police have arrested the suspect, identified as 40-year-old Durgesh, an e-rickshaw driver operating in the area.

According to officials, the incident occurred on the afternoon of January 11 near Prasad Nagar, in the vicinity of Karol Bagh. The minor was waiting at a traffic intersection to sell her flowers when the accused approached her in his vehicle. Investigations reveal that Durgesh promised to buy her entire stock of roses in one go, convincing the child to board his e-rickshaw.

Instead of completing the purchase, the suspect allegedly drove the victim to a secluded forested area where he committed the assault. The victim reportedly lost consciousness during the ordeal. Believing the child had succumbed to her injuries, the suspect abandoned her in the woods and fled the scene.

Upon regaining consciousness some time later, the girl managed to contact her family, who immediately rushed her to a nearby hospital. Based on the victim's statement and medical evidence, the police registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

A senior police official confirmed that the suspect was apprehended following a swift investigation involving CCTV footage analysis and local intelligence. The victim is currently undergoing treatment and counseling.