Nagpur: Following a series of protests over the appointment of a female investigating officer in the case of the minor girl’s torture, the Nagpur Crime Branch has, on Tuesday, designated Police Inspector Rekha Sakpal to lead the investigation.
Speaking to Nagpur Today, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Mummaka Sudharshan confirmed the development.
Previously, Inspector Jagvendrasingh Rajput from the Hudkeshwar Police was overseeing the investigation. However, there had been persistent demands to appoint a female investigator to facilitate improved communication with the minor girl.
The Hudkeshwar Police had apprehended the accused, Ishtaq Ahmed Khan (39), and his wife Heena (30). The accused couple had been residing in Row House No. 3, Bungalow No. 19, at Atharva Nagari No. 3 on Besa-Pipala Road. They had purchased the 12-year-old girl from Bangalore in 2021, employing her as a domestic helper for a sum of Rs 50,000. Tragically, she was subjected to severe torture, including burn injuries to her private parts.
For the past four years, the girl had been held in captivity and subjected to inhumane treatment. She was forcibly confined to the house and made to perform all household chores. Any perceived “mistake” resulted in punishment. The couple had a son who allegedly abused the girl, and Ishtaq Ahmed Khan, a smoker, inflicted burns on her using cigarette butts. Neighbors eventually intervened and rescued the girl, taking her to the Hudkeshwar Police Station.