Dhubri shopkeeper Juran Ali, 60, has been arrested after a six-year-old girl allegedly faced sexual assault at his shop in Chitalkati village of Assam’s Dhubri district. Police arrested the accused after the child’s family filed a complaint following the alleged incident.
The case was reported on September 4 and falls under the jurisdiction of the Bandihana Police Outpost. Police said the child later underwent a medical examination, while the investigation into the allegations is continuing.
Dhubri shopkeeper arrested after family complaint
According to the complaint, the girl had gone to Ali’s local shop when he allegedly lured her inside. The complaint alleges that the sexual assault took place there.
After returning home, the child reportedly told her family about the incident. The family then approached the Bandihana Police Outpost and lodged a formal complaint.
Following the complaint, police launched an operation to locate the accused. A team led by investigating officer Kapil Uddin Ahmed subsequently arrested Ali within hours, according to reports.
Medical examination conducted
The child was taken for a medical examination after the complaint was registered. Police said the examination indicated sexual assault and also found physical injuries and bleeding.
However, medical findings and allegations will form part of the investigation and subsequent legal process. The arrest itself does not establish guilt, and the accused remains entitled to due process under the law.
Meanwhile, police are examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident and collecting information relevant to the case.
Dhubri shopkeeper allegedly confessed during questioning
Police have said the Dhubri shopkeeper allegedly confessed to the offence during questioning. However, any such statement will be subject to legal scrutiny and due process.
Authorities have not indicated that the investigation has been completed. Therefore, details emerging during the inquiry remain subject to verification as investigators establish the sequence of events.
Ali has been remanded to judicial custody, according to reports. Police are continuing their investigation while the legal proceedings move forward.
Investigation remains underway
The case involves a child and is being investigated under applicable laws protecting minors from sexual offences. Authorities have not publicly disclosed information that could identify the child.
Moreover, the identity of a minor involved in a sexual offence is protected under Indian law. Therefore, details about the victim that could reveal her identity should not be published.
The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances of the alleged assault, the evidence available and the legal provisions applicable to the accused.
Dhubri shopkeeper case draws attention to child safety
The arrest has again highlighted concerns about the safety of children in community spaces. Local shops and other places frequently visited by children can become important points of contact within villages and neighbourhoods.
However, responsibility for establishing the facts in this case rests with the investigating authorities and the courts. Public discussion should therefore avoid treating allegations as established guilt.
For now, the Dhubri shopkeeper remains in judicial custody as police continue their investigation. Further developments will depend on the evidence collected and the legal proceedings that follow.
