Nagpur: 21-year-old arrested for repeatedly raping 15-year-old girl he met on Instagram

A case of repeated sexual abuse of a 15-year-old girl has come to light in Nagpur. Ajni police have registered a case under the POCSO Act and other sections and arrested the accused youth.

The arrested man is Raunak Patharol, 21, a resident of Sonegaon. The girl is said to have come in contact with him through Instagram. As they got to know each other, the two became close friends and began talking on the phone.

It is alleged that Patharol drew the girl into a relationship and, luring her with the promise of marriage, took her to different places, where he raped her repeatedly. He is also alleged to have threatened to defame her if she told anyone.

The matter came to light in June, when the girl's health suddenly deteriorated. Her family took her to a doctor. A medical examination and a sonography showed she was a few weeks pregnant. The family was stunned.

The family then filed a complaint against the youth with the police, and the police registered a case on the basis of it. Ajni police have added other sections along with the POCSO law and arrested Patharol.

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, is a special law for sexual offences against children below 18. Section 4 of the Act provides for a minimum of 10 years' imprisonment, extending to life, for penetrative sexual assault. Section 6 provides for a minimum of 20 years, extending to the death penalty, for aggravated penetrative sexual assault.

Children and their parents are advised that if anyone, even a relative, touches them inappropriately, they should immediately tell their parents, a teacher or call 1098. They should not send their home address, school or photographs to strangers on social media. Offers of marriage, gifts or money are often a trap.