The auto-driver who had been apprehended in connection with the sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl in the Ujjain district of Madhya Pradesh reportedly sustained injuries while attempting to flee from law enforcement personnel, as detailed by the police on Thursday. This individual, identified as Bharat Soni, was taken into custody earlier in the day, and three others were temporarily detained as part of the ongoing investigation.
Inspector Ajay Kumar of the Mahakal Police Station in Ujjain disclosed that Bharat Soni incurred injuries to his arms and legs during his attempt to evade authorities who were present at the scene of the crime.
Kumar stated, "Today, we reached the spot to reconstruct the scene of the crime and retrieve the clothing worn by the young girl. Seizing an opportunity, Bharat Soni attempted to escape. Police personnel pursued him and ultimately apprehended him. In the process, he fell onto the cement road, sustaining injuries to his arms and legs."
The Superintendent of Ujjain Police further revealed that Soni had pushed the police officials present at the location and made an attempt to abscond. Regrettably, this effort resulted in two police officers also sustaining injuries during the confrontation.
Subsequently, Bharat Soni was admitted to the Civil Hospital in Ujjain, where he is currently receiving medical treatment for his injuries.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed a firm commitment to ensuring that Bharat Soni faces the "harshest punishment" for his actions. Chouhan emphasized, "We will leave no stone unturned in getting him punished...Such criminals are not fit to be a part of society. He has injured the soul of Madhya Pradesh. She is my daughter, the daughter of Madhya Pradesh. We will care for her."
The investigation into the incident revealed that the girl, originally from Satna, had arrived in Ujjain after boarding an auto-rickshaw in Jeevan Kheri. Notably, bloodstains were discovered on the passenger seat of the auto-rickshaw, prompting a forensic examination of the vehicle.
Furthermore, the police announced their intention to register a case against another auto driver for failing to promptly report the incident to the authorities.
This distressing case came to the fore following the circulation of a video on social media depicting the girl walking on the streets of Ujjain, partially unclothed and bleeding. Subsequently, an FIR was lodged at the Mahakal Police Station, initiating a thorough investigation into the matter.
