A teenage girl reported missing by her grandfather was gang-raped and murdered in India, police said.
A 10th grade student was allegedly kidnapped by three people last Saturday.
She was later found abandoned in a 15-meter deep well in Ramgarh Shekhawati area, Sikar town, northwest India.
His body was discovered less than 24 hours after being kidnapped.
Sikar police arrested two adults and a 15-year-old boy, who is believed to be the main suspect. Police confirmed that the 15-year-old boy had been arrested and that his two accomplices, Sameer and Ghulam, both 19 years old, had also been arrested and were being questioned by police.
One image shows the heartbreaking moment authorities found the girl as they pulled her body out of the well using a rope.
The girl’s grandfather rushed to Ramgarh Sethan police station on Sunday to report his granddaughter’s disappearance.
Police launched a search operation to find her and discovered her body on Sunday afternoon.
As per the family’s wishes, the last rites were held at Jasrasar village in Sardarseher.
The girl is from Churu district in India but lived with her grandparents while studying in Lavanda.
An official told local media:
“Due to concerns about rape and murder, relevant sections of law were added to the case and further investigation was initiated after the body of the deceased minor was identified.”
Police said CCTV footage confirmed the identities of the suspects. A police spokesman said:
“CCTV footage installed along the road leading to the victim’s home was reviewed and the suspects were seen approaching and leaving the victim’s residence.
“The identification was confirmed by CCTV footage of the suspects involved. One of the suspects also suffered injuries to his hand.
The girl’s family members staged a massive protest on Sunday to demand quick action, harsh punishments and compensation.
Protesters also demanded compensation for the victim’s family.
Recent violence against women and girls in India has sparked nationwide protests. This month, a 14-year-old girl was gang-raped before being burned alive in an oven.
Earlier this year, two women were said to have paraded naked in Manipur and were then sexually assaulted by a mob.