Mapusa Police have apprehended a suspected accused, identified as Pundalik Ghudge, reportedly a native of Dharwad, Karnataka, in Panaji in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a four-year-old girl. Further details are awaited.

The development comes nearly three days after the shocking incident in which the minor girl was allegedly sexually assaulted inside an abandoned building near Lohia Ground, Mapusa, on Diwali night, November 8.

According to reports, the child, whose family sells balloons, was allegedly taken to the abandoned building by the accused. She was subsequently found injured and crying outside the building by local residents.

The girl was initially rushed to the North Goa District Hospital and later shifted to Goa Medical College (GMC) Hospital for further treatment.

Following the incident, several police teams were deployed to trace the suspect. The case triggered widespread public outrage across Goa, with citizens demanding strict action and stronger measures to ensure the safety of children.