A tragic incident unfolded in Uttar Pradesh’s Etawah district when a 16-year-old girl was discovered dead at a government-run shelter on Friday. The circumstances surrounding her death have raised serious concerns, prompting authorities to take immediate action. In response, District Magistrate Avanish Rai has constituted a three-member committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the case. The committee has been directed to submit its findings within two days.
The deceased teenager had been reported missing earlier and was later traced by the police following an intensive search operation. After being located, she was placed in the government-run centre as per the directions of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). The decision was taken after she refused to return to her family despite being found.
Law enforcement officials have launched a meticulous probe into the incident. CCTV footage from the shelter is being carefully reviewed to determine any unusual activity leading up to her death. Additionally, statements are being recorded from the shelter’s staff and three other inmates who were present at the time. Notably, no suicide note was discovered at the scene, leaving investigators with more questions than answers.
Following the completion of the post-mortem examination, the girl’s body was handed over to her grieving family for the final rites. An officer confirmed that the autopsy report would play a crucial role in determining the exact cause of death and guiding further legal proceedings.
According to police sources, the girl was originally a resident of Etawah, while the 21-year-old man accused of kidnapping her hailed from the neighboring district of Farrukhabad. The two reportedly shared a familial connection, which adds another layer of complexity to the case. Authorities had earlier booked the young man on charges of abduction based on a complaint filed by the girl’s father.
Details from the investigation indicate that the girl had gone missing on February 23 after she failed to return home from a visit to the market. Concerned about her whereabouts, her family initiated a police complaint, and as inquiries progressed, it was discovered that she had been in contact with the young man from Farrukhabad. Her family strongly opposed their alleged relationship, which further escalated tensions.
The case took a significant turn on March 26, when the police successfully apprehended the youth and located the missing girl. She was subsequently presented before the court, where her statement was recorded. During the proceedings, she refused to return to her parents, leading the authorities to place her in a government shelter for her safety and well-being. A medical examination was also conducted as part of the standard procedure. Meanwhile, the accused youth was remanded to judicial custody and is currently in jail.
The sudden and mysterious death of the girl at the shelter has sparked outrage, particularly among her family members, who suspect foul play. Upon receiving the distressing news, her relatives rushed to the centre and staged a protest, demanding a transparent and unbiased investigation into the circumstances surrounding her demise.
Law enforcement agencies are continuing their efforts to uncover the truth. Officials have assured that appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing inquiry. The case remains under scrutiny, and further developments are expected as the investigation progresses.
