Nagpur: More than 70 days after his arrest in a horrifying case involving the alleged captivity and brutal physical and sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl inside a rented flat in Nagpur’s Dighori, the 19-year-old accused from Thane continues to remain behind bars at Nagpur Central Jail. His bail plea has been rejected, while police are building their case for a speedy trial under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Hudkeshwar police filed a voluminous 550-page chargesheet in the last week of September, incorporating statements of 40 witnesses and evidence gathered during the investigation. However, the probe is not yet complete. Investigators are awaiting forensic reports on electronic devices seized during the operation and are preparing to file a supplementary chargesheet once the findings are available.
Police believe the digital evidence could prove crucial in establishing the sequence of events and determining whether there are other survivors of the accused’s alleged brutality. Officials are examining the seized devices for material that could strengthen the prosecution’s case and potentially reveal further details about the accused’s activities.
The horrifying episode came to light on August 3, when Hudkeshwar police rescued the minor from the rented flat in Dighori. The girl was allegedly held captive for more than 24 hours and subjected to severe physical and sexual torture. Police personnel were confronted with a disturbing scene when they entered the premises, finding the girl tied to a bed, bleeding and barely clothed.
The accused was arrested on August 4. Following his arrest, he alleged that he had been tortured by police and raised the issue before the court. He was subsequently admitted to Government Medical College and Hospital for treatment. After his discharge, he was sent to Nagpur Central Jail, where he remains in judicial custody.
In a setback to the accused, his defence lawyer’s recent application for bail was rejected by the court. The defence also sought the transfer of the case to another court, but the principal district judge turned down that plea as well.
Meanwhile, efforts are underway to help the survivor rebuild her life after the traumatic experience. With support from psychologists and counsellors arranged by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), she has returned to school and resumed preparations for her examinations.
The CWC has also recommended family counselling to help the girl and her family cope with the aftermath of the incident. According to a source, the survivor is responding well to the support being provided to her.
Investigators have incorporated clinical findings and details concerning the circumstances in which the girl was allegedly confined into the chargesheet. The forthcoming forensic analysis of the seized electronic devices is expected to be a significant next step in the investigation.
Police are now concentrating on retrieving and examining the digital evidence, which could provide further leads and help determine whether additional victims were involved. Officials believe the findings could strengthen the case as it moves towards trial, although any further allegations will require independent investigation and verification.
