6-year-old sodomised by father for three years

A 36-year-old man has been arrested by the Malad police for allegedly sodomising his 6-year-old son over a period of three years. The accused, who got married in 2007, had shifted to Dubai from Mumbai with his wife. He was working with a private firm there. The duo had a son in 2008.

According to the police, the incident came to light after the accused's wife quizzed their son about his health and general well being two years ago.

Balsingh Rajput, DCP of Zone 11, said: "In her statements, the woman told us that she watched television shows on crimes against children. Inspired by that she decided to check on her child and started inquiring whether he had experienced anything unusual at home or in the neighbourhood."

Initially the child was hesitant to open up. However, after much coaxing, he said his father harassed him when she was not around and had threatened him with dire consequences if he revealed anything.

"The child was repeatedly sexually assaulted by the accused. The woman, immediately approached a hospital, which confirmed this. She did not a lodge a complaint in Dubai as the process was tedious," said Rajput.

The woman started living with her parents in Orlem, Malad since February 2012 after having left Dubai, leaving her husband and child there.

"Following this, the accused left his job in Dubai and returned to India. However, the trouble continued, as he forcefully abused his son again. She finally decided to launch a complaint and approached the Malad police last week."

The accused was arrested under IPC section 377 (unnatural sex) and sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), and remanded in police custody.