Teenage girl found raped and murdered in Jalandhar; neighbour arrested
A horrifying case of rape and murder of a minor girl in Jalandhar’s Leather Complex area has triggered massive public anger and urgent police action after the victim, aged around 13–14, was found dead in a neighbour’s washroom late on 23 November 2025. Police have arrested the accused, identified as Rimpy Singh alias Happy, who lived next door to the victim’s family.
Initial reports confirm that the girl had been missing for several hours before neighbours discovered her body inside the accused’s house. The case has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and sections of the Indian Penal Code relating to rape and murder.
The incident: How the crime came to light
According to information reported by multiple news outlets, the victim left home on Saturday and did not return by evening. After initial searches failed, her family and neighbours expanded the search across Paras Colony. Suspicion grew when people noticed movement inside the neighbour’s house where the accused lived. When residents entered the premises, they found the girl’s body in the washroom.
The accused was allegedly confronted by locals, who caught him attempting to escape. Eyewitnesses said he was restrained and beaten before police arrived. Police confirmed that he was taken into custody from the scene.
Victim was a minor: Age discrepancies across reports
While all reports agree that the victim was a minor, there are slight differences in reported age:
Some outlets report 13 years
Some report 14 years
Police have not yet released an official age confirmation pending forensic documentation.
Police response and actions taken
Police teams from the Leather Complex station reached the site shortly after receiving the call. A case was formally registered under:
POCSO Act (sexual assault of a minor)
IPC sections relating to rape
IPC Section 302 (murder)
Officials confirmed that the accused was being interrogated and medical tests, including DNA sampling, were underway. Forensic teams seized samples from the washroom and surrounding areas.
In one report, police suspended an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) for alleged negligence in earlier procedural handling related to the locality.
The body was shifted to the civil hospital for post-mortem, which is expected to establish the exact time and manner of death.
Forensics and investigation: What is being probed
Investigators are now focusing on:
- Cause of death, especially allegations of strangulation (some reports mention neck marks).
- Timeline reconstruction — when the girl was taken inside the accused’s house.
- CCTV footage from nearby houses and shops.
- Digital footprints, including mobile location of the accused.
- Statements from neighbours who claim they saw suspicious behaviour.
Officials say the case will be put on fast-track under POCSO guidelines.
Public outrage and protests
The incident triggered immediate anger across the neighbourhood. Hundreds of residents gathered outside the house, shouting slogans demanding strictest punishment for the accused. Several reports mention that local women were especially vocal, calling for accountability and safety measures for children.
The girl’s funeral on Sunday saw emotional scenes, with crowds accompanying the family as they demanded justice. Police were deployed in large numbers to prevent further unrest.
Family’s statement
The victim’s family has accused the neighbour of luring the girl and then killing her to destroy evidence after sexual assault. According to the family, the girl frequently visited the home of the accused’s daughter, and trust may have been misused.
Family members have also demanded:
A Special Investigation Team (SIT)
A speedy trial
Maximum punishment under POCSO laws
Officials have assured the family that no angle will be overlooked.
Legal significance: POCSO + murder carries maximum penalty
Since the victim is a minor, the POCSO Act mandates strict protocol:
Quick forensic documentation
Fast-track court proceedings
Severe punishment including life imprisonment or death penalty in cases involving rape and murder
Legal experts quoted in similar cases emphasise that proper collection of biological samples is key to securing conviction.
Political and administrative reactions expected
Although no major political leader has yet issued a formal statement, such incidents usually lead to:
Visits by women’s commission representatives
Demand for increased patrolling in vulnerable localities
Further administrative review or suspensions
As public pressure grows, the Punjab government may issue a detailed response.
What happens next
The next major updates will come from:
- Post-mortem report
- DNA analysis results
- Formal court remand of the accused
- Possible SIT formation
The police are expected to brief the media after receiving forensic results.
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