A 29-year-old Badlapur East resident has been arrested in connection with the sexual assault of a 13-year-old battling leaukemia.

The accused has been identified as Amar Chandravanshi, a neighbour of the victim.

The victim had shifted from Bihar along with her parents who eked out a living working as daily wage labourers.

The girl, battling cancer, was undergoing chemotherapy in Badlapur. Struggling to find shelter, they accepted the offer from Amar Chandravanshi, a neighbour, and moved into his house.

According to police, Chandravanshi assaulted the minor for months, taking advantage of her weakened physical condition and the family’s desperation.

The crime came to light when during a routine medical check-up, it was revealed that the teenage victim was 14 weeks pregnant.

Confirming Chandravanshi’s arrest under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, along with charges of rape and criminal intimidation under the Bhartiya Nyay Samhita, Kiran Balwadkar, senior police inspector, said.

“This is a heinous crime targeting a child already battling for her life. We are committed to ensuring that the accused faces the strictest punishment. Our priority is the survivor’s safety and dignity,” Balwadkar added.