A 5-year-old boy was allegedly subjected to a heinous act of rape by a shopkeeper in the Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh, leading to the prompt arrest of the accused, according to police reports on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

The disturbing incident reportedly occurred on June 13, 2025, when the young boy visited the shop to purchase some items. According to authorities, the shopkeeper enticed the child into the premises by offering him sweets. Once inside, the accused allegedly committed the reprehensible act.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Mohammad Fahim Qureshi revealed the gruesome details, stating, "The shopkeeper forced himself unnaturally on the boy and also threatened to kill him if he informed anyone about the incident." This threat adds another layer of horror to the crime, highlighting the vulnerability of the victim and the depravity of the accused.

Following the incident, the boy's father filed a formal complaint at the local police station. Acting swiftly on the complaint, law enforcement officials arrested the shopkeeper, identified as Kaushal Tiwari, on Tuesday. Tiwari has been booked under relevant sections of the BNS Act as well as the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which reflects the severity of the crime and the legal measures being taken to ensure justice for the victim.

After his arrest, Tiwari was presented before a local court, which ordered him to be sent to jail. This action underscores the commitment of the authorities to hold the accused accountable for his actions and to protect the community, especially its most vulnerable members.

This incident is one of several recent reports of sexual assault against minors in India. On May 28, 2025, a 22-year-old man was arrested in Agra for allegedly raping a five-year-old girl inside a temple. In September 2024, a five-year-old boy was allegedly gang-raped in Uttar Pradesh's Hapur district, while bystanders recorded the act and circulated it on social media. These cases highlight the urgent need for increased vigilance and preventative measures to protect children from such heinous crimes.