Tension gripped the Bhilai-3 police station area on Saturday after a 23-year-old man was caught attempting to sexually assault a five-year-old girl. The timely intervention of alert villagers prevented a tragedy, as they chased down the suspect and rescued the child from a secluded spot.

The accused, identified as Kishore Chauhan, allegedly lured the minor away from her home under the pretext of buying her chocolates. This incident comes as a grim reminder of a similar horrific assault reported in the neighboring Utai area just a fortnight ago, sparking concerns over child safety in the district.

The Rescue Operation

According to local sources, the incident occurred around 5:00 PM on Saturday. The child was playing outside her residence when Chauhan approached her. He reportedly took her toward a deserted patch of land filled with dense bushes.

A group of villagers grew suspicious upon seeing the young girl being led toward the thickets by the youth. They decided to follow the duo discreetly. Upon realizing the suspect’s intentions, the locals intervened immediately, securing the girl before any physical harm could be inflicted.

Mob Justice Meted

Infuriated by the act, the gathered crowd reportedly cornered Chauhan on the spot. Witnesses stated that the accused was subjected to a round of thrashing, with locals using slaps and kicks to vent their anger.

The situation remained volatile for nearly an hour until the Bhilai-3 police arrived at the scene. Officers managed to pacify the mob and took the bruised suspect into custody. He was subsequently shifted to a local facility for a medical examination before formal interrogation.

Vulnerable Family Background

The victim's personal circumstances have added a layer of poignancy to the case. Reports indicate that the girl lost her mother some time ago, and her father remains away from the city most of the year for labor work.

The child is currently being raised by a ‘Mitanin’ (community health volunteer) who has legally adopted her. The guardian was reportedly at work when the accused targeted the child. Social activists have called for better protection for children from such vulnerable backgrounds.

Police Confirm Details

Senior police officials, including ASP City Sukhnandan Rathore and CSP Prashant Kumar, reached the spot to oversee the preliminary investigation. The police have officially clarified that while it was a clear attempt at sexual assault, the timely intervention prevented the rape from being completed.

“We have recorded the statements of the eyewitnesses and the guardian. The accused was caught in the act of luring the child to a secluded area with criminal intent,” a senior official stated.

Strict Legal Action

The Bhilai-3 police have registered a formal FIR against Kishore Chauhan. He has been booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Specific charges include Sections 137(2), 65(2), 296, 115(2), and 351(3), alongside Sections 4 and 12 of the POCSO Act. Authorities are currently scanning Chauhan’s past records to determine if he has been involved in prior criminal activities or similar offenses in the Durg district.

Recent Crime Context

The district remains on edge as this is the second such high-profile case involving a minor in 14 days. Earlier this month, a five-year-old was raped in the Utai area by a neighbor, Dhaneshwar Sahu, who had similarly used chocolates as bait.

Public outrage is mounting as residents demand stricter patrolling in residential pockets. The latest news today suggests that local community leaders are planning a representation to the administration seeking enhanced CCTV surveillance in semi-urban patches of Bhilai to deter such predators.

A Ujjain mine drowning incident claimed the lives of two teenager boys after they slipped into deep water while celebrating their Class 11 results. The bodies were recovered following an extensive 10-hour rescue operation that stretched late into the night and early morning.

Friends Went Out Together

According to officials, nine friends had left their homes around 2:30 pm on Monday, telling families they were heading to coaching classes. Instead, they went to a quarry located in Karondiya village near the Dewas-Maksi bypass to celebrate passing their exams.

Slipped Into Deep Water

During the outing, two boys  identified as Shubham (16) from Kishanpura/Desai Nagar and Anas (16) from Ashoknagar entered a deeper section of the water-filled mine. Reports indicate the depth at that point was nearly 50 feet, making it difficult for them to return to safety.

Rescue Efforts Launched

The incident was reported to authorities in the evening, after which a rescue operation began around 5 pm. Teams from the police, Home Guards, and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were deployed at the site. Additional personnel were called in from Indore and Ratlam to assist in the operation.

Bodies Recovered Overnight

Rescue teams managed to retrieve Shubham’s body at around 10:30 pm on Monday. The search continued through the night, and Anas’s body was recovered at approximately 3:30 am on Tuesday. Officials confirmed that both bodies were sent for post-mortem examination.

Authorities Cite Challenges

District Commandant Santosh Kumar Jat said the rescue was difficult due to the depth of the water and poor visibility during night hours. “The operation required coordinated efforts from multiple teams. Low light and the structure of the quarry made it challenging,” he said, according to officials.

Safety Concerns Raised

The Ujjain mine drowning incident has once again highlighted safety risks associated with abandoned or water-filled quarries. Such locations often lack warning signs or protective measures, making them vulnerable spots for accidents, especially among young people.

Investigation Underway

Police have initiated an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Statements of the surviving friends are being recorded to establish a clearer sequence of events. Authorities are also examining whether any negligence or lack of safety enforcement contributed to the tragedy.

Community in Shock

The deaths have sent shockwaves through the local community, with families mourning the loss of two teenagers who had just cleared an academic milestone. Residents have demanded stricter monitoring of such hazardous sites to prevent similar incidents.

What Lies Ahead

Officials indicated that further action may be taken to secure the quarry area and prevent public access. The Ujjain mine drowning case is likely to prompt renewed focus on safety regulations around abandoned mining sites as part of broader government updates and public interest measures.