In a shocking incident from Maharashtra, the Kolhapur police have arrested a 28-year-old man for the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault of a seven-year-old girl. The crime occurred after both families attended a wedding ceremony in a nearby village.
Wedding Invitation Turns Into a Nightmare
The accused and the victim's family were guests at a wedding hosted by a family from a village near Kolhapur. According to police reports, the incident took place at the wedding hall, located a few kilometers from the village. Exploiting the situation, the accused allegedly told the young girl that her father had left for another location and that he had been instructed to take her home. Believing him, the girl went with him, and he took her away on his motorcycle.
The Assault and the Accused's Flight
Police stated that the man did not take the child home. Instead, he stopped at a roadside sugarcane field. He then led the girl into the dense crops and sexually assaulted her. The brave victim screamed during the assault, which caused the attacker to panic. Fearing capture, he fled the scene immediately, abandoning the child.
The traumatized girl was later found and rushed to CPR Hospital in Kolhapur for medical examination and care. Her family filed a complaint, leading to a swift investigation by the local police.
Multiple Charges Under POCSO and IPC
Following a thorough probe, the Kolhapur police tracked down and arrested the 28-year-old accused. He has been booked under stringent sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
The key charges against him include:
- Section 8 of the POCSO Act for sexual assault.
- Section 12 of the POCSO Act for sexual harassment.
- Section 363 of the Indian Penal Code for kidnapping.
- Section 325 of the IPC for causing grievous hurt.
Police officials confirmed that additional relevant provisions of the law have also been invoked to ensure a strong legal case. The investigation is ongoing, and the accused remains in police custody.
This grave incident has sent shockwaves through the local community in Kolhapur, highlighting the persistent threat of crimes against children. It underscores the critical importance of vigilance and the need for swift justice under laws like the POCSO Act.
