A shocking incident has come to light in the Namangan region of Uzbekistan, where a warehouse manager at a state kindergarten is suspected of raping a 5-year-old girl. The news was reported by the «Daryo» outlet.

According to the Office of the Children's Ombudsman, a criminal case was initiated on September 12 by the district police investigation department under Part 4 of Article 118 of the Criminal Code (assault on the honor of a person under fourteen years of age). On the same day, the suspect, identified as K.M., was detained in accordance with procedural order and a preventive measure of imprisonment was applied. Preliminary investigations are currently underway.

The National Agency for Social Protection reported that upon receiving the alert, staff from the «Inson» social services center in Uchkurgan district visited the child's home and conducted an initial assessment. The assessment revealed that the child was at a high risk level. Subsequently, «Inson» center staff, in cooperation with internal affairs bodies and medical institutions, took necessary measures to eliminate factors that could threaten the child's life and health.

«Currently, the child and her mother are provided with psychological, medical, and legal assistance, and necessary social services have been organized. At present, the child is in the bosom of her family, under the care of her parents», the statement said. The Children's Ombudsman added that within the framework of its powers, it is monitoring the case to ensure the protection of the legal interests of the victimized child.

This tragic case has caused widespread public outcry and has once again put the issue of child safety and oversight in kindergartens on the agenda. The investigation is ongoing, and those responsible will face justice.

Source: www.gazeta.uz