Mumbai: The Bhandup police on Wednesday arrested a 28-year-old man for allegedly forcing himself on his neighbour’s 10-year-old daughter at his residence. According to the police, the incident occurred at around noon on Wednesday in Bhandup West.
“The victim was playing in her house with two of her friends when the accused called her out. He asked her to come to his house to help him with some luggage that he was packing,” said senior police inspector Shripad Kale, Bhandup police station.
As soon as the victim entered the accused’s house, he allegedly grabbed her, threw her on his bed and forcibly undressed her, after which he proceeded to force himself on her. The victim cried out in pain, which unnerved the accused, and taking the opportunity, the victim ran out of the house.
The commotion attracted the attention of the victim’s parents and residents of the area, who came rushing. The victim told them about the accused’s action, after which the locals called the police.
The Bhandup police subsequently sent a team to the spot and the accused was taken into custody, while two female personnel took the victim to a hospital and later recorded her statement.
“We have arrested the accused and charged him with rape under the Indian Penal Code and with sexual assault on a minor under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act,” said Mr. Kale.
The police are now interrogating the accused to find out if he has similarly targeted other minors in the locality. The police are appealing to parents of minor girls to come forward and inform them in case any of their children have been exploited by him, or if they know of him sexually abusing any other girls in the area.
