In the early hours of November 30, 2024, a horrifying crime occurred in North Kolkata’s Burtolla neighborhood.
Around 1:45 am, residents heard a baby crying on a footpath near Sovabazar and Burtolla area and quickly alerted the police.
Daughter of a Homeless Couple
The seven-month-old infant, later identified as the daughter of a homeless couple who had reported her missing, was found abandoned and injured.
The infant was then rushed to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, where medical professionals confirmed severe injuries, including injuries to her private parts and scratches on her body.
Initial investigations indicated that she had been abducted from the footpath, sexually assaulted, and then abandoned at the same location.
Furthermore, police launched a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and early suspicions pointed toward local vagabonds.
How the Suspect Was Identified and Arrested
CCTV footage from the Burtolla area became a key focus of the investigation. Police observed a man with a limp crossing the crime scene repeatedly—nine times in total—before and after the assault.
Using this footage, investigators applied gait analysis, a forensic tool that identifies individuals based on their walking patterns.
The findings were shared with police stations across West Bengal, eventually leading to the identification of Rajib Ghosh, alias Gobra, a 34-year-old cleaner at a resort in Gopiballavpur, Jhargram.
Acting on leads, police arrested him on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.
What is Gait Analysis?
Gait analysis is the study of how people walk or run, often used to spot problems with movement. According to the Orthopedic Medical Centre, it helps understand how the body uses vision, senses, and balance to move.
This method is commonly used in healthcare to identify issues with muscles, nerves, or movement problems that affect posture.
With advanced technology, gait analysis can measure stride length, speed, and joint angles. In forensic science, it helps identify suspects by unique walking patterns, like a limp, seen in video footage.
How Gait Analysis Cracked This Case
In this investigation, the police focused on the suspect’s limp, which was visible in CCTV footage. By examining his walking pattern, they were able to narrow down the list of potential suspects.
They also cross-checked the footage with reports from residents and statements from 110 people in the Burtolla area.
The investigation led them to Jhargram, where they arrested Ghosh at his job in a resort. His repeated appearances near the crime scene, combined with the gait analysis, were critical in linking him to the assault.
Status of the Suspect
Rajib Ghosh has been charged under the POCSO Act and Bengal’s Non-Bailable Sections (BNS), ensuring strict legal proceedings. He is in police custody and will be presented in court.
Condition of the Infant
The seven-month-old infant remains under medical care at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Despite her severe injuries, doctors have confirmed that her condition is now stable.
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
Kolkata Trainee Doctor Found Dead, Police Volunteer Arrested for Alleged Rape-Murder
Monkeys Intervened and Saved 6-Year-Old Girl from Rape Attempt in India
Outrage in Pakistan: College Student’s Rape Sparks National Protests
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