Editor
MUMBAI: In a disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, a 13-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted and robbed by her 19-year-old friend at her residence in Chembur. The assault reportedly took place over a month, whenever the young girl was home alone.
According to the Chembur police, the accused had easy access to the victim's house as he was known to her family and shared a "friendly relationship" with everyone. Exploiting this trust, he allegedly took advantage of her vulnerability and committed the heinous acts. Additionally, it has been revealed that he also stole valuables from the house during these visits.
The horrifying sexual assault is said to have occurred between May 7 and June 6, while the girl's parents were away at work. The police disclosed that the accused would visit her, intoxicate her, and then assault her while she was in a semi-conscious state.
The matter came to light when the girl's parents noticed missing gold jewellery and cash from their home. Concerned, they questioned their daughter, who bravely disclosed the frequent visits by the accused and shared her recollection of the assaults. Immediately, the parents took swift action, approaching the police and lodging a complaint on the night of June 6. Subsequently, the girl underwent a medical examination, and the accused was apprehended.
During interrogation, the accused reportedly confessed to the crimes. He also revealed that he stole the valuables to finance the purchase of a mobile phone. As a result, the police have arrested him under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including sections 376 (rape), 376 (2) (n) (repeated rape of the same woman), 420 (cheating), and 328 (causing hurt by means of poison with intent to commit an offense). Additionally, he faces charges under sections 4 (penetrative sexual assault), 8 (sexual assault), and 12 (sexual harassment) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
This distressing incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for heightened awareness, education, and stringent action to protect children from such heinous crimes. Authorities and society as a whole must work together to ensure the safety and well-being of our youth, providing them with an environment free from fear and exploitation.