The assault occurred Tuesday afternoon in a locality under the Station Road police station limits. Police said the accused, a relative described as the victim's paternal uncle (the elder cousin of the child's father), arrived home intoxicated around noon.

The baby was sleeping on a cot in the courtyard when the man picked her up, claiming he would play with her or feed her. The child's mother and grandmother raised objections, citing his drunken state, but he ignored them and carried the infant into a separate room.

Moments later, family members heard the baby's cries and rushed in. They found her bleeding profusely and in extreme distress. She was immediately taken to the district hospital. Civil Surgeon Dr. Gajendra Singh Tomar described the infant's condition as serious. "She has suffered severe trauma and heavy blood loss," he said. After initial treatment, doctors referred her to a super-specialty hospital in Gwalior for emergency surgery.

Additional Superintendent of Police Surendra Pratap Singh confirmed the arrest. "We detained him soon after the complaint and registered a case under relevant sections, including the POCSO Act," he told reporters. The officer added that both families share the house, which may have allowed the accused easy access. Investigators are probing the sequence of events, but details remain limited as the focus stays on the child's survival. Doctors earlier indicated the next 72 hours would be critical, though updates on her status were not immediately available.

The incident has sparked outrage in the community, highlighting yet again the vulnerability of the youngest victims to sexual violence within trusted circles. Madhya Pradesh continues to grapple with rising reports of crimes against minors, prompting calls for stricter enforcement and faster justice. Authorities say the probe is ongoing, with forensic evidence being collected. The accused remains in custody as the case moves forward.