Teenager Allegedly Murders 9-Year-Old Neighbour in Gurgaon After Being Caught Stealing Jewellery

Gurgaon, July 2, 2024 — In a horrifying incident that has shocked the community of Signature Global Solera in Sector 107, Gurgaon, a 16-year-old boy allegedly strangled his 9-year-old neighbour and set her on fire after she caught him stealing jewellery from her flat. The tragic event took place on Monday around 11 AM, leaving both families and the larger community in deep distress.

Incident Overview

The accused, a class 10 student, and the victim, a class 4 student, lived in separate towers of the same housing society and were reportedly on good terms. According to police reports, the mother of the victim was visiting the house of the accused at the time of the incident. Seizing the opportunity, the boy allegedly pretended to go for tuition but instead went to the victim’s house, where the 9-year-old girl was alone.

The accused initially attempted to mislead the police by claiming that two thieves had entered the house and killed the girl. However, under further questioning, he confessed to the murder, stating he needed the stolen jewellery to repay a loan of Rs 20,000.

Detailed Account of the Incident

On the morning of the incident, the father of the victim had gone to work, and her mother and brother were visiting the accused’s home in another tower. The accused saw his chance, left his house under the pretext of going for tuition, and went to the victim’s flat.

After gaining entry by asking the girl for water, the boy allegedly helped her with her homework. When the girl went to the toilet, he found the keys to the locker and started stealing jewellery. Upon returning and seeing the theft, the girl protested. Despite the boy’s attempts to throw the jewellery out of the balcony, she continued to resist, leading him to panic and strangle her. In a desperate bid to cover up the crime, he allegedly used camphor from the home temple to set her body on fire.

Aftermath and Investigation

When the girl’s mother returned and found smoke emanating from the flat, she raised the alarm. Residents entered the flat from the balcony, discovering the girl’s half-burned body and the boy sitting in a corner. Initially, the boy claimed that two thieves had attacked them, but his story quickly unraveled under police scrutiny.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (west) Karan Goel stated, “The accused claims that he had to repay a loan of Rs 20,000, so he committed the theft.” The boy has been apprehended, and an FIR has been registered at the Rajendra Park police station. Investigations are ongoing, with police also questioning some friends of the accused.

Community Reaction

The incident has left the community in shock and mourning. Neighbours and society residents expressed their disbelief and grief over the tragic event. “It’s unimaginable that something like this could happen here. Both families seemed close, and the kids were often seen playing together,” said a resident of Signature Global Solera.

As the investigation continues, the police are urging anyone with additional information to come forward. The case highlights the need for increased awareness and intervention strategies to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.

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