A 77-year-old man was arrested on Monday for allegedly raping a 25-year-old mentally-challenged girl in Nagpada last week.
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According to the Dharavi police, the incident occurred in a lodge in Nagpada on Saturday afternoon. “The accused, Mohammed Mustaqil Khan, works as a real estate agent and was a frequent visitor to the victim’s residence, where she stays with her uncle and aunt,” senior police inspector Suresh Patil, Dharavi police station, said.
The victim’s neighbour, Shakil Ahmed Sheikh, who helped the family file an FIR, said Mr. Khan would regularly bring clients to see a room that the family was looking to rent out and hence, the victim knew him well.
“On Saturday afternoon, the accused came to the victim’s residence and asked her to come with him. When she agreed, he took her to the lodge where he committed the offence. He subsequently took her to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and told her to take a train to Sion. She, however, reached Dombivli as she was disturbed,” Mr. Sheikh said.
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The victim was subsequently noticed by a Railway Protection Force officer, who contacted the girl’s family using her cell phone and helped her go back home.
“The victim narrated her ordeal to her family members. We registered an FIR and arrested the accused. The victim has been admitted to Sion hospital for examination and will be discharged soon. We are waiting for the medical reports,” Mr. Patil said. The accused has been charged with rape under the Indian Penal Code, and the police are conducting inquiries.
Meanwhile, Mr. Sheikh alleged that after the incident came to light, Mr. Khan tried to silence the victim’s family by offering them money.