An appalling incident has surfaced in the Banswara district of Rajasthan. Robbers horrifyingly murdered a 12-year-old girl by slitting her throat and took off with her nose and ear ornaments. Tension has engulfed the area following this incident. Angry villagers and young girls staged protests, while the family initially refused to proceed with taking the body. In response to the gravity of the case, police have intensified the investigation.
According to the police, Lalji Patidar from Paloda village went to the fields to work with his wife and two daughters at 5 AM. Their 12-year-old daughter, Jahnvi, and a 5-year-old son were at home. Lalji's wife returned home at 7 AM to prepare lunch, then headed back to the fields with her son, who had started crying. Jahnvi was left alone at home. Sometime between 9 to 10 AM, unknown robbers entered the home and mercilessly killed Jahnvi by slitting her throat.
Blood-Soaked Body Found in Kitchen
Jahnvi’s elder sister, Krishna, explained that when the family returned from the fields around 10:30 AM and called out to Jahnvi, there was no response. Searching the house, they tragically discovered Jahnvi’s blood-soaked body in the kitchen. Her nose and ear ornaments were missing. The robbers ransacked the entire house, but found nothing besides the jewelry. The family was devastated by the incident.
Upon receiving information, the Loharia police station team arrived at the scene. Forensic teams and a dog squad from Chittorgarh were called in to gather evidence. The deceased's body was taken for a post-mortem to Banswara's MG Hospital.
Banswara SP Harshvardhan Agrawal stated, "The minor was murdered with a sharp weapon. Whether it was robbers or someone familiar, police are investigating all angles. Evidence has been gathered, and suspects will soon be caught."
Protest by Villagers and Girls
The brutal daylight murder stirred anger throughout the area. Local residents and girls protested against the police with slogans. The town remained completely shut during the protest. Some girls accused the police of lathi charge and said, "We are fighting for justice. We demand justice." It became challenging for female police to placate the furious girls, some of whom were taken to the police station by vehicle, further escalating tension.
The family initially refused to accept the body, demanding the immediate arrest of the culprits. However, by evening, they agreed to the post-mortem after police assurance. The body was then taken to MG Hospital for the procedure.
MLA Surrounded, Police Questioned
Following the post-mortem, local MLA Kailash Meena arrived, only to be surrounded by the incensed public with slogans. People alleged that protestor girls were detained by police. The MLA promptly called Loharia police station, where officials denied any arrests had been made, calming the crowd somewhat.
Area Tension, Police Vigilance
This incident has cast a shadow over law and order in Banswara district. Residents allege an uptick in thefts and robberies with no concrete police action. Police have now ramped up patrolling and begun raids to find suspects.
