MUMBAI: In a disturbing case that has shaken a quiet Chembur neighborhood, authorities have detained a 59-year-old former army officer accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl who lived in the same apartment complex.
The grim details emerged abruptly on Saturday when the teenager, enduring severe and unrelenting stomach cramps, was urgently admitted to Sion Hospital. A routine checkup turned nightmarish as physicians informed the girl’s mother that her daughter was about two months along in an unexpected pregnancy—a revelation that pierced the veil of secrecy surrounding months of torment.
The mother, a 37-year-old domestic worker in the same building, pressed her frightened child for answers amid the shock. Through tears and coercion born of desperation, the minor finally unburdened herself, pointing to a trusted family acquaintance—a retired military “uncle” from next door—as the source of her suffering.
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As detailed in a report , the assaults reportedly spanned from September 1 to October 6, 2025. The accused allegedly lured the girl under false pretenses, then subjected her to molestation and forced intercourse on several occasions, all while issuing dire warnings to ensure her silence. Terrified for her safety, the victim internalized the trauma until her deteriorating health compelled disclosure.
Wasting no time, the outraged parent marched to the RCF Police Station, lodging a detailed FIR that outlined the pattern of exploitation. Officers responded with urgency, invoking key provisions of the Indian Penal Code alongside the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, tailored to safeguard minors like the survivor.
The suspect, a longtime resident of the premises, was apprehended without delay and hauled before a dedicated POCSO court. The magistrate ordered his remand to police custody, paving the way for deeper scrutiny. Investigators are now prioritizing forensic analysis and medical evaluations for both parties to fortify the case amid this delicate inquiry.
This incident underscores the hidden perils lurking in familiar spaces, where authority figures can exploit vulnerability with devastating consequences. As the probe unfolds, the focus remains on supporting the young victim’s recovery while pursuing unyielding justice.
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