Palghar Family Accuses Police of Inaction in Minor's Sexual Assault Case

The family of a 10-year-old girl from Palghar has accused her 50-year-old uncle of sexually assaulting her, alleging that local police refused to register a First Information Report (FIR) and instead intimidated the family. Speaking at a press conference at the Mumbai Press Club, the victim's parents called for the investigation to be transferred away from the Palghar police station.

According to the family, the incident occurred on the night of July 21 at approximately 10:20 pm. During a family argument on the ground floor of their residence, the accused, who works as a jeweller and lives on the upper floor, allegedly molested and sexually assaulted the minor, a Class V student at a local convent school.

The victim's father, a Chartered Accountant, stated that the child experienced severe trauma following the incident. She stopped attending school, isolated herself, suffered recurring fevers, lost her appetite, and missed her examinations. On August 4, after her mother questioned her about her behavioural changes, the child disclosed the assault.

The family subsequently approached the Palghar police station to lodge a complaint under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. However, they stated that officers refused to register the case, prompting the parents to dial the emergency response number 112 to file an online complaint.

On the same day, the girl underwent a medical examination at a local rural hospital, where doctors issued a formal medical memo to the police. When the family returned to the Palghar police station with the memo on August 5, officers allegedly questioned the 10-year-old in an intimidating manner. The mother further alleged that police personnel threatened to frame the father in false cases if they continued to pursue the matter.

The family has submitted a formal complaint to the Director General of Police (DGP), Maharashtra, seeking an immediate FIR, a thorough investigation, and the transfer of the case to another police station to ensure an unbiased probe.

Responding to the allegations, Palghar Superintendent of Police Yatish Deshmukh stated that the matter will be investigated thoroughly and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.