A 16-year-old boy has been accused of strangling his 9-year-old neighbour and setting her body on fire after she caught him stealing jewellery from her familys apartment in a housing society in Gurugram. The tragic incident occurred on Monday, leaving the local community in Sector 107 in shock and grief.The victim and the accused lived in separate towers within the same housing society and had previously been on good terms. The victim, a class 4 student, was alone at home when the incident took place, while her mother was visiting the accuseds family.Incident UnfoldsAround 11 a.m. on Monday, the accused, a class 10 student, initially attempted to deceive the authorities by claiming that two thieves had entered the house and killed the girl. However, he later confessed to the crime. He admitted to stealing the jewellery to repay a loan of ₹20,000 and panicked when the girl discovered his actions.According to a senior investigating officer, the boy did not intend to kill the girl but acted out of fear when she refused to keep quiet. He strangled her in a fit of panic and then set her body on fire using camphor from the home temple.Investigation and ArrestThe girls mother, along with her son, had been visiting the accuseds family in another tower. When she returned home and found the door locked with smoke billowing from inside, she raised the alarm. Residents forced their way in through the balcony and discovered the girls lifeless, partially burned body, with the accused sitting in a corner.The police have registered an FIR at the Rajendra Park police station. Initially, the boy tried to mislead the police by claiming an attack by thieves. However, he later admitted to committing the murder due to the pressure of repaying a loan.
