Kanpur: 70-Year-Old Cleric Arrested For Attempting To Rape 7-Year-Old Girl

Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur Police on Monday, August 12, arrested a 70-year-old cleric on allegations of attempting to rape a 7-year-old girl. According to the reports, the shocking incident happened on August 9 in the Maqbara area of Kanpur. The reports said, the cleric lured the child with chocolates and took her to his home. Fortunately, the child was rescued before any harm could be done.

The accused has been identified as Maulana Mukhtar. Reports added that when he brought the minor to his house, a neighbour saw Mukhtar taking the girl inside and found it suspicious. He then decided to follow them and witnessed the horrifying scene through a window.

Horrifying Act Caught On Camera

The neighbour quickly recorded the incident on his mobile phone and alerted others in the area. The locals caught Mukhtar red-handed and naked. They beat him up before calling the police. Despite Mukhtar's pleas for mercy and attempts to hush up the matter, the girl's relatives insisted on informing law enforcement.

By the time police arrived at the scene, Mukhtar had managed to escape through a back door. Locals believe this wasn't his first offence; they suspect he had assaulted other children but had always managed to suppress these incidents due to his feared status in the community.

Manhunt Launched To Nab Absconding Accused

Police officers formed multiple teams to search for Mukhtar after recording statements from the victim and her family. ACP Colonelganj Mahesh Kumar assured that Mukhtar would face justice soon. "Such incidents send a wrong message to society," he stated. A case has been registered against Mukhtar, and efforts were intensified to apprehend him.

The authorities conducted a medical examination of the minor victim as part of their investigation. Visuals later showed Mukhtar standing beside police officers who had taken him into custody on Monday afternoon.

This incident has sparked outrage in Kanpur, highlighting issues of child safety and community vigilance. The swift action by locals and police underscores the importance of immediate reporting and intervention in such cases.