Nashik Religious Discourse Teacher Arrested for Alleged Prolonged Sexual Abuse of Minor
A 40-year-old man, known locally as a kirtankar or religious discourse deliverer, from Parner taluka in Ahilyanagar district was arrested on Sunday for allegedly sexually abusing a 17-year-old girl for five years. The Parner police registered a case against him under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, based on a formal complaint filed by the victim.
Incident Comes to Light After Girl Returns Home with Burn Injuries
The disturbing situation surfaced on March 10, when the girl returned home sobbing from the kirtankar's residence, displaying burn marks on her hands and face. Initially, she remained silent when her family inquired about her condition. Her brother then took her to the house of relatives living approximately 5 kilometers away, where she finally disclosed her harrowing experience on Saturday.
Years of Abuse and Threats Revealed in Police Investigation
According to police officials, the girl recounted that the kirtankar had been sexually assaulting her for five years. She had kept silent throughout this period because he had threatened her, claiming he had already committed numerous crimes and warning that he would kill her parents if she ever revealed the abuse. On March 10, he allegedly beat her with a bamboo stick and inflicted burns with a hot object because she did not go to his house immediately after he called her.
Suspect Known to Family, Arrested Following Complaint
The accused, who runs a school for religious discourse and has resided in the village for 10 years, was known to the girl's family. After she narrated the incident, her family took her to the police station to file a formal complaint. Inspector Santosh Khedkar stated that the suspect was apprehended from his house the same night, and a First Information Report (FIR) was promptly registered. Assistant Police Inspector Ranjit Marag, who is leading the investigation, noted that the suspect was also reportedly angry upon learning that the girl was likely to get married to a relative.
Legal Proceedings and Custody Details
A local court on Sunday remanded the kirtankar in police custody until March 20, allowing authorities to continue their investigation into the serious allegations. The case highlights the vulnerabilities faced by minors and the critical role of timely reporting and legal action in such instances of prolonged abuse.
