Nagpur Landlord Arrested for Alleged Rape of 16-Year-Old Tenant Under POCSO Act
In a shocking incident from Nagpur, a 46-year-old landlord has been arrested for allegedly raping a 16-year-old Class 10 girl at their residence within the jurisdiction of the Koradi police station. The survivor, traumatized by the assault, remained silent about her ordeal for approximately a week before confiding in her mother, who promptly filed a police complaint.
Details of the Alleged Crime and Threats
The victim, a 16-year-old student living with her family in a property owned by the accused, Chintaman Bhakte (46), faced repeated attempts by him to get close to her. In November of last year, Bhakte reportedly obtained her mother's mobile number from the girl under false pretenses. He then used WhatsApp to threaten the minor, compelling her to chat with him under the menace of dire consequences.
According to police reports, Bhakte threatened to kill her parents and harm her if she refused to comply or disclosed the threats to anyone. Following these intimidations, he allegedly forced her to accompany him to relatives' places on multiple occasions, escalating the control over her.
The Horrific Assault and Aftermath
The situation culminated on February 17, when the girl returned home alone from her tuition class in the morning. While she was taking a bath and alone at home, Bhakte reportedly entered the bathroom through the back door. He covered her mouth to prevent her from screaming, dragged her to a bedroom, and raped her. After the assault, he again threatened to kill her if she revealed the incident to anyone.
The girl experienced severe stress and trauma in the aftermath. Her mother noticed her distress and, upon questioning, the victim broke down and narrated the horrifying ordeal. This led to immediate action, with the mother filing a formal complaint at the Koradi police station.
Legal Actions and Custody
Koradi police swiftly arrested Chintaman Bhakte, slapping him with sections related to rape and other relevant provisions of the law. Given the victim's minor status, charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act were also applied, highlighting the gravity of the crime against a child.
Bhakte was initially remanded in police custody for two days for interrogation. On Tuesday, he was produced before the court, which subsequently sent him to judicial custody, pending further legal proceedings. This case underscores the urgent need for vigilance and protection of minors in residential settings, with authorities emphasizing strict enforcement of laws like POCSO to combat such heinous acts.
