Mumbai Man Arrested for Alleged Sexual Assault of Minor Stepdaughter in Dongri
A 37-year-old man has been arrested by the Dongri Police in Mumbai for allegedly sexually assaulting his 15-year-old stepdaughter at their residence in the Dongri area. The accused, whose identity has been withheld to protect the victim's privacy, runs a seekh-kebab stall in Dongri and has been booked under stringent sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Details of the Alleged Assault and Investigation
According to police reports, the incidents are said to have occurred over the past two months. The minor girl is currently receiving medical treatment at Sir J.J. Hospital in Mumbai, where her condition has been reported as stable following a thorough examination. This case highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing sexual violence against minors in urban settings.
The victim's mother had entered into a second marriage after separating from her previous husband several years ago. The minor disclosed the abuse to her brother during a phone call, alleging that her stepfather repeatedly subjected her to sexual assault. She further claimed that he physically assaulted her when she resisted his advances and threatened to kill her if she revealed the abuse to anyone.
Delay in Reporting and Police Action
Following the disclosure, the victim's mother approached the Dongri Police, citing fear and intimidation as the primary reasons for the delay in reporting the crime. A formal case was subsequently registered based on the allegations, leading to the arrest of the accused. The police have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, and the accused will be produced before the court for legal proceedings.
Key aspects of the case include:
- The alleged abuse spanned approximately two months before being reported.
- The victim faced physical violence and death threats when attempting to resist.
- The POCSO Act ensures stringent legal measures against such offenses.
- Medical and psychological support is being provided to the survivor.
This incident underscores the critical importance of community vigilance and prompt reporting in cases of child sexual abuse. Authorities continue to investigate the matter thoroughly to ensure justice for the minor victim.
