Navi Mumbai Police Arrest Senior Citizen for Alleged Sexual Assault of Teenage Girl
In a disturbing case from Navi Mumbai, the Ulwe police have taken into custody a 66-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl. The incident came to light after the victim's mother, who had been incarcerated on trafficking charges, was released on bail.
Details of the Alleged Crime and Arrest
The accused has been identified as Iftekar Shaikh, a resident of Elegant Villa in sector 9 of Ulwe. According to police reports, the minor girl was living alone during the period from August to November last year while her mother was in jail.
Senior Inspector Arjun Rajane of Ulwe police station provided details of the case. He stated that Shaikh allegedly exploited the vulnerable situation of the girl between September and October last year. The accused is said to have taken the teenager to his apartment where he demanded sexual favours and touched her inappropriately.
Threats and Silence
What makes this case particularly distressing is that Shaikh reportedly threatened to harm the girl if she disclosed his actions to anyone. Fearing for her safety, the victim remained silent about the alleged assaults until her mother's release from custody.
Legal Action and Charges
After being released on bail, the girl's mother learned about her daughter's ordeal. She immediately took the teenager to the Ulwe police station where they filed a formal complaint. An FIR has been registered under multiple sections including those pertaining to rape and criminal intimidation under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Police arrested Shaikh on Wednesday and presented him before the court. The judicial authority has remanded him to police custody until February 6, allowing investigators to continue their inquiry into the allegations.
Broader Implications
This case highlights several concerning issues including the vulnerability of minors left without proper guardianship and the challenges faced by children of incarcerated parents. The Ulwe police have emphasized their commitment to pursuing justice in this matter and ensuring the safety of the victim.
The investigation continues as authorities gather additional evidence and statements related to the alleged crimes. The community in Ulwe and surrounding areas of Navi Mumbai has been alerted to the incident, with police urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.
