Minor raped in Thane district

Three days after the rape of a 13-year-old in Kalwa, another 13-year-old girl from Bhiwandi was allegedly raped by her neighbour who had asked her to get cigarattes for him. The accused will be produced in court on Monday.

It was on the evening of July 31 when the accused asked his wife to get hold of someone who could get him cigarettes. The wife summoned the neighbour's girl. When the victim came back with a packet of smoke, the accused was sitting alone in his room. He took advantage of the situation, locked the room and later raped her.

He then threatened her with dire consequences if she complains to her parents. That very night the girl confided in her mother who initially refused to believe her. Only after she showed her the marks that the victim's family lodged a complaint at the Bhiwandi police station.

Both the victim and the accused had to undergo medical tests and the reports are awaited.

An officer from the Bhiwandi police station said: "We have initiated a probe and taken down the statements of both the victim and the accused. He will be produced in court on Monday."

He has been charged under section 376 and section 354 of the Indian Penal Code and POCSO (Prevention of Children From Sexual Offences Act, 2012).