3.5-Year-Old Girl Raped by Neighbor in Gujarat’s Surat; Accused Arrested Under POCSO Act

In a shocking incident that has sent ripples of outrage through Gujarat’s Surat city, a three-and-a-half-year-old girl was allegedly raped by her neighbor, police officials confirmed on Friday (April 24, 2026). The suspect was apprehended within hours of the crime.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), the assault took place on Thursday evening (April 23) when the young victim stepped out of her residence in a densely populated residential area of Surat to use a communal bathroom. Police said the accused, identified as Sheikh Ahmed (name changed to protect identity), who lives in the same neighborhood, allegedly caught hold of the girl and committed the sexual assault.

The child’s family, who reside in the vicinity, raised an alarm upon noticing her missing. A search led to the discovery of the victim in distress. She was immediately rushed to a local hospital for medical examination, which confirmed the assault, officials added.

Acting swiftly on the complaint, police arrested the suspect within hours of the incident. A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The accused has been remanded to police custody for further investigation.

Authorities have assured strict legal action and have urged residents to remain vigilant. The victim is currently receiving medical and psychological care.