A ten-year-old girl sleeping near a metro station in Delhi’s Mehrauli area was abducted by a taxi driver on June 22 and later found dead near the Gurugram-Faridabad border. Police have arrested the accused, who reportedly confessed to kidnapping, raping, and killing the child. The case has reignited concerns over the safety of homeless women and minors in India’s capital, where thousands live without shelter.

According to the group Shahri Adhikar Manch, around 300,000 people were homeless in Delhi in 2024, a large portion of them women. Many live on pavements, exposed to harassment, assault, and extreme weather. Social workers say sexual violence is rampant among street-dwelling women and girls, yet few cases are reported. Activists and residents describe nights spent half-awake out of fear, with parents keeping children close to prevent abductions.

Authorities say patrols have been increased and investigations are ongoing. Experts urge expanding shelter capacity, noting that Delhi has only 17 shelters for women out of about 200 total, far below the need.