A chilling crime has shaken the foundations of a Delhi neighborhood, leaving a community reeling and a nation demanding answers. In northeast Delhi’s Bhajanpura, a six-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by three boys, aged between 10 and 16 years [[8]]. The horrific incident, which occurred on January 18, 2026, has not only devastated the victim’s family but has also ignited a fierce public outcry over child safety and the rising trend of juvenile crime in the capital. This case of a Delhi girl sexually assaulted is more than just a news story; it’s a stark warning about the vulnerabilities our children face and the urgent need for systemic intervention.
Table of Contents
- The Bhajanpura Incident: What We Know
- The Accused: Minors and the Manhunt
- Legal Framework: Punishment Under the POCSO Act
- A Disturbing Trend: Juvenile Crime in Delhi
- Protecting Our Children: A Call for Action
- Conclusion: Seeking Justice and Prevention
- Sources
The Bhajanpura Incident: What We Know
According to police reports, the six-year-old victim was lured by the accused with food before being subjected to the assault [[9]]. She returned home in a visibly injured and distressed state, prompting her family to immediately file a complaint. The sheer brutality of the act, coupled with the tender age of both the victim and the perpetrators, has sent shockwaves across the country. The family staged a protest at the local police station, demanding swift justice and enhanced security measures in their locality [[8]]. This case has become a grim symbol of the Delhi girl sexually assaulted narrative that has plagued the city for years.
The Accused: Minors and the Manhunt
Delhi Police have confirmed the arrest of two minor boys in connection with the case [[5]]. The third accused, reportedly the eldest at 16 years old, fled the scene and is believed to have escaped to Bihar [[10]]. Authorities are now engaged in a nationwide manhunt to track down the fugitive. The fact that all three perpetrators are minors adds a complex layer to the investigation and the subsequent legal proceedings, raising difficult questions about rehabilitation versus punishment for such heinous crimes committed by juveniles.
Legal Framework: Punishment Under the POCSO Act
In India, cases of child sexual abuse are prosecuted under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. This special law is designed to be a comprehensive framework for protecting children under the age of 18 from sexual assault, harassment, and exploitation [[14]].
Key Provisions and Penalties
The POCSO Act provides for severe punishments, which can include:
- Aggravated Penetrative Sexual Assault: This can lead to rigorous imprisonment for a term not less than 20 years, which may extend to life imprisonment, along with a fine [[11]].
- Sexual Assault: Punishable with imprisonment of up to 5 years and a fine [[11]].
- Use of Child for Pornographic Purposes: Can result in up to 5 years of imprisonment and a fine for a first conviction [[11]].
However, when the accused are minors, the case is handled under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. This means that even if found guilty of a heinous offense, the maximum period of confinement in a special home is three years, a provision that has often been criticized for being too lenient in cases of extreme violence [[12]].
A Disturbing Trend: Juvenile Crime in Delhi
This horrific incident in Bhajanpura is not an isolated event but part of a deeply concerning pattern. According to the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for 2023, Delhi continues to lead all metropolitan cities in the number of crimes committed by juveniles, with a staggering 2,278 cases reported [[17]]. The city also tops the list for rape cases among metros [[18]]. These statistics paint a troubling picture of a growing crisis where young individuals are increasingly involved in serious criminal activities, from theft and robbery to violent assaults [[24]].
Protecting Our Children: A Call for Action
In the wake of this tragedy, experts and child rights activists are calling for a multi-pronged approach to safeguard children. This includes not just stricter enforcement of existing laws like the POCSO Act, but also a massive investment in preventive measures. Community policing, better street lighting, safe public spaces, and comprehensive sex education in schools are all critical components of a holistic child safety strategy. For more on how communities can organize for safety, see our guide on [INTERNAL_LINK:community-safety-initiatives-india]. Furthermore, addressing the root causes of juvenile delinquency—such as poverty, lack of parental supervision, and exposure to online violence—is essential for long-term solutions. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) offers extensive resources on child protection frameworks that can inform policy and practice [[https://www.unicef.org/protection/child-protection]].
Conclusion: Seeking Justice and Prevention
The case of the Delhi girl sexually assaulted in Bhajanpura is a devastating reminder of the work that remains to be done to protect the most vulnerable members of our society. While the immediate focus is on apprehending the third accused and ensuring a fair trial under the POCSO Act, the broader conversation must shift towards prevention. It is imperative that authorities, communities, and families come together to create an environment where every child can grow up safe, secure, and free from fear. The pursuit of justice for this one child must be a catalyst for systemic change to prevent countless others from suffering a similar fate.
Sources
- [[5]] The New Indian Express. “Minors nabbed for sexually assaulting girl.” January 28, 2026.
- [[8]] Times of India. “6-yr-old girl sexually assaulted; two boys held, one absconding.” Accessed January 29, 2026.
- [[9]] Times Now. “‘Lured With Food, Gang-Raped’: 6-Year-Old Delhi Girl Assaulted by 3 Minor Boys.” January 28, 2026.
- [[10]] The Indian Express. “Third minor accused of 6-year-old’s sexual assault traced to Bihar: Police.” January 28, 2026.
- [[11]] Childline India. “Child Sexual Abuse & Harassment in India | POSCO Act.” Accessed January 29, 2026.
- [[14]] Wikipedia. “Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.” Accessed January 29, 2026.
- [[17]] Moneycontrol. “Delhi leads metro cities in rape cases, juvenile offenses and crimes against children in 2023.” September 30, 2025.
- [[18]] The Indian Express. “Among metro cities, Delhi reported highest number of rape cases in 2023.” September 30, 2025.
- [[24]] Times of India. “Delhi sees 101 murders in 8 months: What’s driving minors to major crimes?” December 10, 2025.