Mumbai: A constable with the Mumbai Police was arrested by the Nashik Police for allegedly forcing himself on a 15-year-old girl in Dindori, his native place in Nashik district on Monday night.
According to the Nashik police, the accused — identified as Gorakshanath Shekhre — was attached to the Byculla Police in south Mumbai. Officials said he had been on leave since March 27 and had gone to Dindori.
“The victim and her family are acquainted with Shekhre. She has, in her statement, said that she was washing utensils in an open area outside her house when Shekhre approached her and asked her to come with him. When she did not respond, he clamped his hand over her mouth and dragged her to a public toilet nearby,” an officer with the Dindori police said.
Shekhre allegedly forced himself on the victim and held her mouth shut with his hand. He also told her that he would kill her if she told anyone about the sexual assault. As soon as his grip loosened, the victim ran out screaming for help, which drew the attention of her parents and her cousin brother.
“Shekhre locked himself inside the public toilet while the victim told her family about what had happened. A small mob gathered at the spot and forced Shekhre out of the toilet, after which he was handed over to us,” the officer added.
After recording the victim’s statement and registering an FIR, the Dindori police placed Shekhre under arrest in the early hours of Tuesday. He has been charged with rape and criminal intimidation under the Indian Penal Code along with sexual assault on a minor under the Protection of Children against Sexual Offences Act. The Mumbai Police has initiated the process of placing him under suspension and will be conducting a separate departmental inquiry.
