In a shocking incident in Pune, a 12-year-old girl was kidnapped and raped at a hotel near Khadakwasla Dam, officials said on Monday. Four, including the girl's neighbour, have been arrested in connection with the case, they added.
Speaking to The Free Press Journal, Police Sub Inspector Arjun Naikwade from Warje Malewadi Police Station, said, "The incident took place on Friday. The main accused and his friend have been arrested. Moreover, the hotel owner and manager have also been arrested after being booked for negligence."
According to Naikwade, the girl's parents and older brother had left for work, leaving her and her sister at home. Later in the afternoon, the accused neighbour called the girl outside and asked her to join him on a motorcycle ride with his friend.
"The main accused and his friend are natives of Uttar Pradesh and work on daily wages," said the officer.
Unaware of their intentions, the girl went along with them to a hotel near Khadakwasla Dam, where she was raped.
Upon returning from work, the girl's parents began frantically searching for her. After some time, they sought the help of the police, who then tracked the accused's cell phone, locating it at the hotel.
"The accused and his friend were arrested. The girl was rescued. It appeared that the accused intended to take her to Uttar Pradesh," said Naikwade.
The officer further mentioned that they had also arrested the hotel owner and manager as they did not verify the IDs of either the victim or the accused before giving them a room.
Regarding the incident, a case has been registered at the Warje Malwadi Police Station under sections 4, 8, 12, 18 and 21 of the POCSO Act and other relevant sections of the BNS and Juvenile Justice Act.
