Nagpur: A 46-year-old landlord allegedly raped a 16-year-old Class 10 girl at their residence within the Koradi police station limits. The distressed survivor kept mum about her ordeal for about a week before narrating the incident to her mother.According to police, the victim, a 16-year-old student studying in 10th standard, lived with her family at the property owned by Chintaman Bhakte (46).
The accused reportedly made repeated attempts to get close to the girl and, in November last year, obtained her mother’s mobile number from her under false pretext. He then threatened the girl via WhatsApp, compelling her to chat with him or face dire consequences and claimed he would kill her parents and harm her if she refused or told anyone.Following the threats, Bhakte allegedly forced her to accompany him to relatives’ places on multiple occasions. On Feb 17, the girl returned home alone from her tuition class in the morning and went to take a bath. At the time, she was alone at home. Bhakte reportedly entered the bathroom through the back door, covered her mouth to prevent her from screaming, dragged her to the bedroom, and raped her. He again threatened to kill her if she revealed the incident to anyone.The girl was under severe stress and trauma afterwards. When her mother noticed her distress and questioned her, the victim broke down and narrated the horrifying ordeal. The mother immediately filed a complaint at Koradi police station. Bhakte was arrested by Koradi police and slapped with sections related to rape and other relevant provisions of the law, including those under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, given the victim’s minor status.Bhakte was remanded in police custody for two days for interrogation. On Tuesday, he was produced before the court, which sent him to judicial custody.
