Agartala, December 15, 2025: A 21-year-old man named Russel Mia has been arrested for allegedly raping a nine-year-old girl in the Kamalasagar Miapara area under Madhupur police station of Sepahijala district on Monday.

According to police sources, Russel Mia, son of Rizik Mia and a resident of Miyapara, allegedly lured the minor girl, his neighbor into his home under the pretext of affection and then sexually assaulted her. Initially, the child remained silent, but later, in visible distress, she confided in her parents about the ordeal.

The victim’s parents lodged a formal complaint at Madhupur police station around 4 PM on Sunday. Acting swiftly, a police team led by Second Officer Chittaranjan Reang raided Russel Mia’s residence and arrested him.

Police confirmed that Russel, who is reportedly married, had been exploiting the minor through manipulation and false promises. Officer Reang stated that the accused has been booked under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and will be produced before the sub-divisional court today.

Meanwhile, the accused’s mother has claimed that her son has been falsely implicated and denied his involvement in the crime. Authorities have indicated that a medical examination of the victim will be conducted, and further investigation will determine the veracity of the allegations.