A serious case of sexual exploitation involving a minor has come to light in Nagpur, leading to the arrest of a young man. The incident underscores the stringent application of laws designed to protect children.
Romantic Relationship Turns Into Alleged Exploitation
According to the Nagpur police, the survivor is a 15-year-old girl who was studying in Class 11. She was reportedly in a romantic relationship with the accused, identified as Meshram, a 20-year-old resident of Borgaon. The investigation revealed that Meshram allegedly invited the minor girl to his house on several occasions. It was during these visits that he is accused of having sexual intercourse with her.
The situation came to a head when the girl visited a sonography centre and discovered she was eight months pregnant. This shocking discovery prompted her family to take immediate action.
Legal Action and Arrest Under POCSO Act
The minor's family lodged a formal complaint with the police on December 19. Acting swiftly, the authorities registered a First Information Report (FIR) the same day. The case has been filed under Sections 4, 6, and 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, along with relevant sections of the newly implemented Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police officials, including investigators Poupani Jagannath Sherkar and Waponi Kailash Deshmane, conducted inquiries into the allegations. Based on their findings, the 20-year-old accused was taken into custody. Authorities have stressed a critical legal point: in cases involving minors, consent is considered irrelevant under the POCSO Act.
Ongoing Investigation and Medical Examination
The legal process is now moving forward. A medical examination of the minor survivor is being conducted as part of the standard procedure to gather evidence. The police are continuing their investigation to build a strong case for prosecution.
This distressing incident from Nagpur serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerability of minors and the importance of the POCSO Act in delivering justice. The law is unequivocal in its stance on protecting children from sexual abuse, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the relationship.
