A shocking incident has come to light from Malvani area in Malad where a 37-year-old auto-rickshaw driver allegedly sexually assaulted a 10-year-old girl who lived in his neighbourhood. Based on a complaint filed by the minor's mother, Malvani Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the POCSO Act and arrested the accused.
According to the police, the complainant is a 45-year-old woman residing with her family in Malvani, Malad. Her 10-year-old daughter is a school-going student. The accused, who is an auto-rickshaw driver by profession, also resides in the same locality. Due to this, the families were acquainted with each other.
Between February 1 and March 31, 2025, the accused allegedly lured the minor girl to his house on several occasions under various pretexts. Once she was at his home, he reportedly initiated physical proximity, behaved inappropriately, and committed obscene acts with her. The FIR mentions that he even removed her clothes and sexually assaulted her multiple times. He also threatened her with physical harm to ensure she remained silent about the ordeal.
Terrified, the girl did not inform anyone initially. However, she recently confided in her mother about the incidents. Upon learning this, the mother immediately approached Malvani Police Station and lodged a complaint.
Following the complaint, police registered a case under various sections of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita related to sexual assault and relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) and arrested the accused. After his arrest, he was produced before the special POCSO court in Dindoshi on Tuesday. The court has remanded him in police custody.