Nagpur: 21-year-old held for rape of 15-year-old girl he met on Instagram

A serious case of minors being lured through social media has come to light in Nagpur. Ajni police have arrested a 21-year-old man. He is accused of befriending a 15-year-old girl on Instagram, drawing her into a relationship and allegedly raping her repeatedly. The case came to light after the girl became pregnant.

According to police, the victim is a Class 10 student. She got to know Raunak Pathrol (21), a resident of Sonegaon, on Instagram. The two first spoke only on social media. Gradually the conversations moved to the phone and the friendship deepened. It is alleged that during this time the youth drew the girl into a relationship.

According to the complaint, after winning the girl's trust, the accused raped her at different places. He is alleged to have exploited her continuously. It has also been stated that she was threatened with disgrace if she told anyone. Because of this fear, the girl initially told nothing to her family.

In June 2026, the girl's health worsened and her mother took her to a doctor. A medical examination and sonography showed that the girl was about 15 weeks pregnant. On learning this, the mother questioned the girl, who then named Raunak Pathrol and described the alleged incidents.

The family first had the girl treated and then approached the police and filed a complaint. Police began an investigation on the basis of the minor's pregnancy and her statement.

Ajni police have registered a case against the accused, Raunak Pathrol, under the relevant sections on rape and of the POCSO Act. He has been arrested and further investigation is under way.

The incident has once again raised the question of children's safety on social media. Parents need to be vigilant when their children make friends with strangers on Instagram and other online platforms. In case of any pressure, threat or improper behaviour, children should be encouraged to tell trusted family members or the authorities concerned.