In a distressing incident in Navi Mumbai, the Kharghar police have arrested a 21-year-old man for sexually assaulting and impregnating a 17-year-old girl who is deaf and non-verbal. The case came to light on June 1 when the teenager was taken to a family doctor due to abdominal pain. A sonography scan revealed that she was five months pregnant.
Police Investigation and Arrest
Following a complaint filed by the girl's father on Tuesday, the Kharghar police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against an unidentified accused. To facilitate communication with the victim, a sign language teacher was brought in, enabling the girl to communicate in the presence of police and her parents.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vikram Kadam of the Kharghar division stated, "Using sign language, she identified the accused as Ramji Sonawane, a resident of Labour camp in Taloja village." The investigation revealed that the girl had met Sonawane on Instagram. Police were able to obtain his photograph and address from her social media page.
Sonawane was traced within four hours of registering the FIR. On Wednesday, he was produced before the Panvel district sessions court under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act and was remanded to police custody until June 8.
Community Response and Legal Proceedings
The arrest has brought a sense of justice to the victim's family, who had been struggling to communicate the ordeal due to the girl's disabilities. The police have been commended for their swift action and use of specialized resources to handle the case sensitively.
The accused remains in custody as the investigation continues. Authorities are also examining whether Sonawane has been involved in similar offenses in the past.
