Beed (PTI): Some residents of a village in Maharashtra's Beed district allegedly stopped the kin of a child who was sexually assaulted by a 15-year-old boy from reporting the matter to police or seeking medical treatment for her, officials said on Monday.

The incident took place in Shirur Kasar tehsil on November 7 and came to light recently, an official added.

"A five-and-a-half-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by a 15-year-old boy who is a close relative of the victim. Villagers allegedly held meetings to ensure the area is not defamed and reportedly warned the victim's family against approaching authorities," the official said.

"As a result, the injured child remained at home for nearly four days, suffering severe pain. Family members later informed Superintendent of Police Navneet Kanwat, following which Shirur Kasar police registered an FIR on November 13 under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act," he added.

The girl was then shifted to the Beed Government Hospital, where she is currently undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU), the official said.

Child Welfare Committee member Tatwasheel Kamble demanded stringent action not only against the accused but also against police personnel for the delay in filing the case.

"Under POCSO Act, failure to register a complaint immediately is also a punishable offence," he pointed out.

Further probe into the case is underway, the police official said.

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Amritsar (PTI): Former president Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said that with digital transformation, economic reforms and a strong focus on the ease of doing business, India is moving towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 19th edition of the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) in Amritsar.

The former president said that this 19th edition of PITEX is being organised at a time when India is recognised as one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the event organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) the former president, while referring to Punjab, said the state is a living example of courage, sacrifice and enterprise.

"The spiritual light of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) inspires peace and humanity across the world. The heritage of Punjab is deep and inspiring," Kovind said, according to a statement issued by the PITEX.

The former president congratulated the PHDCCI for hosting the 19th edition of PITEX and suggested that the chamber should expand PITEX outside Punjab.

He proposed that a similar event should also be held in New Delhi.