Nashik Police Rescue Kidnapped Teenager from Forest, Arrest Three Men
In a significant operation, police in Nashik have successfully rescued a 16-year-old girl who had been reported missing since February 13 from a village in the Rahuri area of Ahilyanagar district. The rescue took place on Wednesday night from a secluded forest area near Ramshej Fort on the outskirts of this north Maharashtra city. Following the rescue, authorities arrested three men on charges of kidnapping and rape.
Details of the Kidnapping and Rescue Operation
The girl, a junior college student whose parents work as casual laborers, was reported missing after she failed to return home from college on February 13. According to Ahilyanagar Superintendent of Police Somnath Gharge, the police initiated an investigation based on the complaint filed by her parents. Initial suspicions fell on two men from the village, prompting officers to track their movements.
Tracking the accused proved challenging, as they avoided using their own cellphones. The breakthrough came when one of the kidnappers used a cellphone at a kiosk near a bus stop close to Ramshej Fort to call family members and request money via an online transaction. This clue led police teams to the area.
Inspector Sanjay Thenge of the Rahuri police station stated, "Our teams reached the spot, showed the girl's photographs to people there, and managed to locate the place where she was held captive. We rescued the girl, arrested the three men, and handed her over to her parents following due procedures." The motorcycle used in the crime has not yet been recovered.
Allegations and Legal Actions
After her rescue, the girl provided a statement alleging that the three men held her captive for five days. She accused one of them, identified as the prime suspect, of repeatedly raping her during this period. In response, the police have charged all three men under Section 137(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for kidnapping. Additionally, relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act have been applied against the prime accused.
A court in Rahuri has remanded the three men to police custody until February 26. The case has drawn public attention, with MLA Sangram Jagtap demanding strict action against the accused during a media interaction on Friday.
Community Tensions and Security Measures
The incident has sparked tension in the Rahuri area, as two of the arrested individuals belong to a different community from the victim. Police officials confirmed that security was stepped up to prevent any escalation of unrest. Superintendent Gharge emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order while ensuring justice is served.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about child safety and sexual violence in the region, underscoring the critical role of law enforcement in responding to such crimes. The police continue their investigation to gather further evidence and ensure all aspects of the case are thoroughly addressed.
