Mumbai: The Antop Hill police have arrested a 29-year-old man, Anis Dilawar Hussain Pyada, under the POCSO Act for the alleged sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl. The incident, occurred on July 20 at Chuha Garden in Antop Hill, saw the accused reportedly lure the minor and her younger brother with the promise of snacks before the heinous act.
Lured With Snacks
According to the police, the victim, who lives with her family in the Wadala, was playing near Bharani Naka, Antop Hill, with her 9-year-old brother around 2 PM on July 20. It is alleged that Pyada approached the siblings, offering them snacks and took them to Chuha Garden in CGS Colony, Antop Hill.
Upon entering the garden, the accused allegedly gave money to the boy to buy snacks, sending him to a shop. He then allegedly took the girl behind a tree in the garden, covered her mouth with his hand, and sexually assaulted her. The accused also reportedly threatened her with harm if she revealed what had happened, leading to her initial silence.
Silent Suffering
The traumatic experience led to a noticeable change in the girl's behavior, as she became increasingly fearful of playing outdoors. Concerned by her daughter's withdrawn demeanor, the mother gently questioned her, at which point the girl courageously confided in her about Pyada's alleged actions.
Police Response
On July 26, her mother promptly took her to the Antop Hill police station and filed a formal complaint. The Police have registered a case under sections 64, 65(2), 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sections 4, 6, 8, and 12 of the POCSO Act, subsequently arresting the accused Pyada.
