Nagpur police constable arrested for alleged sexual assault of 17-year-old student

A 25-year-old police constable posted with the Nagpur Police Commissionerate has been arrested on charges of sexually assaulting a minor student in the Gittikhadan area. He is accused of assaulting the 17-year-old Class 12 student at his home. The matter came to light when it emerged that the girl was pregnant.

The accused has been identified as Pratik Vinod Dharpal, 25. He lives in Mahesh Nagar on Borgaon Road in Gittikhadan and is posted with the police department's Quick Response Team (QRT).

According to police, Dharpal allegedly got to know the girl through Instagram in 2022. He later took her mobile number and the two began chatting on WhatsApp. He is accused of persuading her to meet him as the conversation grew.

Police said that on August 17, Dharpal allegedly called the girl to his home on the pretext of celebrating his birthday. According to the complaint, finding her alone, he allegedly demanded a physical relationship.

Police said that when the girl allegedly refused, Dharpal threatened her and assaulted her, it is alleged.

The girl is alleged not to have told her family or the police immediately. She feared she would not get justice against a policeman.

The matter reportedly came to light on September 22, when the student felt dizzy and fell while at college. Teachers took her to hospital and informed her parents.

Doctors later told the family that she was pregnant. While talking to the family, the girl allegedly described the assault by Dharpal.

The parents then approached Gittikhadan police. Police registered a case against the constable and arrested him.

Police are investigating the alleged assault and the accused's contact with the minor. Further legal action will be taken on the basis of the investigation.