In a chilling incident that has sent shockwaves through the city, the Malad Police have booked the director of a de-addiction foundation, along with three others, for allegedly sexually assaulting two minor girls. The female co-director of the centre has been accused of performing a forced abortion on one of the victims.
The harrowing events took place between January 24, 2024, and February 6, 2025, at a de-addiction facility located in the Malvani area of Malad.
According to the police, the 16-year-old survivor, a resident of Mankhurd, was seeking treatment at the centre. During her stay, the director of the foundation allegedly raped her and her friend repeatedly. The accused reportedly threatened the girls with dire consequences to ensure their silence.
The matter came to light when one of the girls missed her menstrual cycle. Upon informing the female co-director, she was taken for a medical check-up, which confirmed the pregnancy. Instead of reporting the crime, the co-director allegedly administered medication to the minor to perform a forced abortion.
The FIR also names two other employees of the centre. They are accused of molesting the victims and encouraging other men to indulge in lewd acts with the girls. It is further alleged that the victims were forcibly made to bathe after the assaults in an attempt to destroy evidence.
Driven by the continuous mental and physical trauma, the victim finally approached the Malvani Police Station on Thursday. "We have registered a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The four accused, including the director and co-director, are currently absconding and have been declared 'wanted' in our records," a police official stated.
Special teams have been formed to track down the accused. The police are also investigating if there are other victims who suffered similar abuse at the facility.