Maharashtra Crime: 20-Year-Old Youth Arrested For Raping Minor Over False Promise Of Marriage In Nalasopara; Case Registered Under POCSO Act

Palghar, Maharashtra: In a disturbing incident from Nalasopara East, a 20-year-old youth has been arrested for sexually assaulting a 17-year-old minor girl after falsely promising to marry her. The Tulinj Police registered a case against the accused following the complaint filed by the victim.

The accused, identified as Bagesh Mohan Jawde, a local resident, had established a relationship with the minor girl who resides in the same locality. The survivor was reportedly lured by the accused on the pretext of marriage and was sexually exploited during January and February 2025 at his residence.

The sexual relationship eventually led to the girl becoming pregnant. After her medical examination, a statement was recorded as part of the medico-legal case (MLC), and based on this, the police registered a criminal offense. Acting swiftly, the Tulinj Police arrested Jawde on June 18, 2025, at 3:41 am.

An FIR has been registered at Tulinj Police Station. The case has been booked under multiple sections, including BNS Section 64(2)(M) and Sections 4, 6, and 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which deal with aggravated penetrative sexual assault of a minor.

The investigation is being supervised by Police Inspector Balasaheb Rathore, with Sub-Inspector Dattatray Patil and Assistant Police Inspector Chaigankar leading the investigation team. The officials confirmed that the crime came to light based on the medical statement of the victim, which prompted immediate legal action.

Authorities have emphasized the seriousness of the crime and assured that strict legal action will be taken to ensure justice for the victim. The accused remains in custody as further investigation continues.