Nagpur: In a dramatic turn in the sensational teenage captivity and sexual torture case, the 19-year-old accused from Thane was shifted from the cramped lock-up of Hudkeshwar police station to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Government Medical College and Hospital’s (GMCH) Trauma Centre early Thursday after allegedly injuring himself inside the cell and complaining of severe health complications.
Ironically, both the accused and his 16-year-old survivor are now admitted to the same government hospital. While the minor girl continues to battle severe physical and psychological trauma in the gynaecology ward after undergoing reconstructive surgery, the accused is receiving treatment in an air-conditioned ICU under heavy police security.
According to investigators, the youth, arrested on Monday night for allegedly confining the daughter of a senior government official for nearly 24 hours and subjecting her to brutal sexual torture, had repeatedly demanded preferential treatment during police custody. Shortly after midnight on Thursday, he allegedly began smashing his head and face against the walls and floor of the lock-up, causing injuries that necessitated immediate medical attention.
Police said the accused remained defiant throughout interrogation. He allegedly refused to reveal the passwords of his own mobile phone as well as that of the survivor, compelling investigators to seek assistance from cyber experts to retrieve digital evidence and chat records.
Medical reports prepared during his mandatory examination reportedly revealed a fracture in the orbital bone along with the presence of excess air in the pericardial cavity surrounding his heart. Doctors admitted him to the ICU for close observation and scheduled an advanced CT scan to assess the extent of the condition.
A senior medical specialist, speaking on condition of anonymity, said excessive consumption of libido-enhancing drugs could trigger serious cardiac complications. The expert also indicated that prolonged physical exertion during sexual activity might have contributed to the abnormal accumulation of air around the heart. The accused is expected to remain under medical observation for at least 24 hours.
Meanwhile, investigators expressed surprise over the absence of the accused’s parents, who have reportedly not contacted police or visited the station since his arrest. A police team that searched the family’s residence in an upscale locality of Thane allegedly recovered surgical blades, sex-related contraptions, electronic devices and other materials considered significant for the investigation.
Although a close relative has arrived in Nagpur, police claimed the individual has remained uncooperative and has avoided assisting the investigation.
Police sources also revealed that while in custody, the accused repeatedly complained about the lock-up conditions, citing poor lighting, mosquitoes, unhygienic toilets and even demanding pizza for lunch. During his medical examination, he also levelled allegations against police and complained of serious health problems, prompting doctors to admit him to the ICU. Security personnel have since been deployed outside his hospital room.
On Thursday, investigators produced the accused’s medical report before the Special POCSO Court and sought magisterial custody. The prosecution argued that the accused had obstructed the investigation by refusing to disclose passwords to the seized mobile phones, making custodial interrogation essential. The court subsequently granted magisterial custody while reserving the police’s right to seek further custody after his discharge from hospital.
Investigators believe the accused’s mobile phone may contain crucial evidence, including information about possible additional victims. Cyber forensic experts are now working to unlock the encrypted devices.
The survivor, meanwhile, continues to receive intensive treatment at GMCH. Doctors performed plastic surgery on her left hand to repair deep wounds allegedly inflicted with a surgical blade. According to police, the teenager was held captive inside a rented flat in Dighori, where she was handcuffed, tied up, repeatedly sexually assaulted, forced to consume sex-enhancing pills, and subjected to repeated attacks with a knife and belt before being rescued during a late-night police operation.
Police said the investigation is progressing on multiple fronts, including forensic analysis of electronic evidence and examination of materials seized from the accused’s residence, to determine whether more victims may have been targeted.
