Minor detained for alleged sexual assault on 8-year-old girl

Panvel: An 8-year-old girl was allegedly sexually abused by a 17-year-old minor boy after he showed her an obscene video in the Palaspe area of Panvel on September 21. The Panvel City police have registered a case under relevant sections, including rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and detained the minor.

According to the police, the incident took place at around 12.30 pm inside a building in Palaspe. The girl was reportedly playing outside her home when the accused, who lives in a building opposite hers, allegedly approached her. He allegedly showed her an obscene video and then subjected her to inappropriate sexual acts.

The minor allegedly threatened the girl with dire consequences if she disclosed the incident to anyone. However, the girl later informed her mother about what had happened. The mother took her to a hospital for medical treatment and subsequently approached the Panvel City police to lodge a complaint.

Acting on the complaint, police registered an offence against the minor and took him into custody. He was subsequently produced before the Juvenile Justice Board, police said.

The incident has raised concerns among parents and residents in the area about children's safety. Police Sub-Inspector Anant Parage is conducting the investigation.