16-Year-Old Boy Detained in Central Mumbai for Alleged Rape of 13-Year-Old Girl
Police in Central Mumbai have detained a 16-year-old boy for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl at an isolated location on June 18. The teenager had allegedly been stalking the minor girl before forcing her onto his motorcycle and threatening her with the distribution of morphed photographs on social media if she disclosed the assault to anyone.
The alleged sexual assault took place around 7:00 a.m. on June 18. According to the police, the 16-year-old suspect took the victim on his bike to an isolated spot within Central Mumbai. A friend of the accused reportedly aided the teenager by tying the victim to a tree before leaving the accused and the victim alone at the site, where the suspect sexually assaulted her.
Following the alleged assault, the suspect threatened the 13-year-old girl, stating that he would post morphed pictures of her across social media platforms if she told anyone about what had transpired. Intimidated by the threats, the victim initially did not disclose the incident to her family members.
The crime came to light this week after the victim's mother observed that her daughter seemed noticeably disturbed. The mother questioned her daughter regarding her emotional state and assured her that she could speak freely without fear. Following her mother's reassurances, the girl revealed the details of the alleged rape and stalking to her family.
The victim's family immediately reported the matter to the authorities. Police subsequently registered a case incorporating sections 64 (rape), 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), and 351 (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. In addition, charges were filed under various provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Following the registration of the case, police detained the 16-year-old suspect and produced him before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). Police officials confirmed that they are actively searching for the second suspect who allegedly assisted in tying the victim to the tree, in order to trace his whereabouts and ascertain his precise role in the offense.
