Auto driver arrested in Thane's Kasheli for allegedly raping 10-year-old girl

An 18-year-old autorickshaw driver was arrested on Thursday evening within two hours of allegedly raping a 10-year-old girl in the Kasheli area of Bhiwandi, Thane. The child, who suffered severe internal injuries during the assault, is currently undergoing treatment at the Indira Gandhi Memorial (IGM) Hospital.

According to the police, the accused lived in the same neighbourhood as the victim. He allegedly lured the girl to his house while she was playing outside her home and sexually assaulted her. Before committing the offence, the accused allegedly sent the victim's younger brother away on an errand.

The incident came to light when the girl returned to her home crying and bleeding. When her parents asked her what had happened, she narrated the ordeal. The parents immediately rushed the injured girl to the IGM Hospital for emergency medical care.

Dr. Madhvi Pandhare, Superintendent of IGM Hospital, stated that the child had suffered severe internal injuries but is now recovering under medical supervision.

Following the crime, the accused fled the spot in an attempt to escape. However, the police launched a swift search and apprehended him at the Bhiwandi railway station.

Dr. Pawan Bansod, DCP, Zone II, said that a beat marshal received a call from a local resident about the incident. A police team quickly reached the spot, ensured the victim was rushed to the hospital, and arrested the accused within two hours of the crime.

The accused has been booked under sections 64(1), 64(2), and 65(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. He also faces charges under sections 4, 6, 8, and 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He has been remanded to police custody until June 30.

Following the incident, tense scenes were witnessed as local residents gathered to protest outside the Narpoli police station, demanding strict action against the accused.