Chennai: A three-year-old girl has died after suffering sexual assault in Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, prompting widespread anger over rising offences against women and children in the state.

Police said a migrant worker from Bihar has been arrested in connection with the case. The child’s family, who are also from Bihar, had been living in the SIPCOT industrial area of Gummidipoondi.

The girl was discovered abandoned and seriously injured in a bushy patch yesterday. She was taken to hospital but died during treatment today.

Accused lured child with biscuit, say police

According to NDTV, a senior police officer said the accused was known to the child and had enticed her with a biscuit. "The child knew him. He offered her biscuits, took her away, and sexually assaulted her," the officer told reporters.

Locals caught suspect; others roughed up on suspicion

Residents reportedly apprehended the accused and handed him over to police. In the aftermath, a few other people were assaulted by locals amid suspicions they might have been involved. Police, however, dismissed claims that more than one person took part in the crime. "This is not a case of gang rape. Only one person was involved," an officer said.

Witness account of abduction

A local resident, Indumathi, said the child had been playing near her house when the man allegedly lured her away. "The child was at home. The man offered her biscuits and took her away. She was later found abandoned in the bushes by a woman who had gone there to relieve herself. She cleaned the child and realised her condition was serious," Indumathi said.

Case initially filed under POCSO; murder charges likely

Police initially registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. With the child’s death, officials said murder charges are likely to be added.

Context of rising sexual offences in the state

The incident has intensified concern over a recent rise in sexual offences against women and children in Tamil Nadu. The issue featured prominently during the state assembly election campaign and remains a major topic of public debate.

Calls for tougher action from political leaders

DMK leader TKS Elangovan urged stronger punishment and greater government intervention. "The government should be strict on these incidents. Punishment should be severe. This is a social issue. The government should concentrate on it," he said, while alleging that several recent cases have involved members or functionaries of the ruling party.

New women’s safety force recently launched

Shortly after taking office, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced the creation of a special women’s safety force, named Singappenn, intended to bolster protection for women and girls. The initiative was formally launched a few days ago.

National figures on crimes against children

According to the latest crime records, more than 177,000 cases of crimes against children were recorded across India in 2023. Of these, over 67,000 cases, or 38.2 percent, were registered under the stringent POCSO Act.