In a disturbing incident in Mumbai's Malwani area, a man has been booked under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for allegedly hugging a 14-year-old schoolgirl and making lewd remarks towards her. The Malwani police acted swiftly after the accused, who was reportedly in an inebriated state, targeted the minor.
Details of the Harassment Incident
The incident occurred on Tuesday when the victim, a student of a school in Malwani, was standing on the street with her friends. According to the police, the accused suddenly approached the girl, hugged her without her consent, and made inappropriate gestures. He further harassed her by asking her to accompany him for a drive. The girl and her friends were left terrified by the man's brazen actions.
Public Intervention and Police Action
Showing commendable presence of mind, the girl and her friends raised an alarm. Alert passersby immediately intervened, caught hold of the accused, and informed the Malwani police. Officials promptly arrived at the scene and took the man into custody. The accused was produced before a sessions court at Dindoshi on the same day and has been remanded in police custody. The police are now in the process of verifying whether the individual has any prior criminal record.
Legal Repercussions and Community Concern
The registration of a case under the POCSO Act highlights the serious nature of the offence. The incident has sparked concern among local residents about the safety of children in public spaces. It also underscores the critical role community vigilance plays in deterring such crimes and aiding law enforcement. The police investigation is ongoing to uncover all facts related to the case.
