A young girl was abducted while she and her family slept, taken to a nearby field and assaulted in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj district in India.

13:44, Tue, Jun 23, 2026 Updated: 13:49, Tue, Jun 23, 2026

Shadow of an adult with a child holding hands

The girl was taken while she and her family slept (Image: Getty)

A girl was abducted while she slept and assaulted by a man in a field in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj district, India, authorities have said. Police named the prime suspect as Musharraf, who was later shot in both legs after allegedly opening fire on officers during a late‑night encounter.

The incident happened on June 14 while the girl and her family were asleep on their terrace. Authorities said the man entered the house, kidnapped the child, and took her to a nearby field where he assaulted her and inflicted cigarette burns. The girl was rushed to hospital after she was found unconscious by relatives and locals.

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Investigators are investigating, and doctors are conducting intensive medical examinations.

Musharraf was intercepted during a routine vehicle check on Saturday night.

Prayagraj Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (City) Manish Shandilya said: "He sexually assaulted her and fled. When police tried to stop him, he opened fire. In retaliation, officers shot him in the legs as he attempted to escape."

Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj district, India

The incident happened in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj district (Image: Corbis Documentary RF)

A pistol was recovered at the scene. Musharraf is now under treatment, and police say two other men are also being sought in connection with the crime.

A first information report (FIR) has been registered against all three men.

Police have said they will complete a thorough investigation and will continue to support the victim.

Local representatives, including the area's Member of the Legislative Assembly, have met the survivor’s family and assured them that justice will be delivered.