Palghar, Maharashtra: Police in Palghar district have arrested two individuals in connection with separate and disturbing sexual assault cases involving minor girls. These incidents, which include allegations of rape, blackmail, and threats, underscore persistent concerns about the safety of minors in the area.
Youth Arrested for Rape, Blackmail and Acid Attack Threat
In Nalasopara, Pelhar Police have arrested Saurabh Jaiswal, a 20-year-old resident of Santosh Bhavan, for allegedly raping a minor girl, blackmailing her with private photos, and threatening her with an acid attack. Jaiswal was taken into custody late on June 17, 2025.
According to police reports, the 17-year-old survivor, a student from Andheri East, Mumbai, befriended Jaiswal in June 2024. In November 2024, Jaiswal allegedly lured her to his residence and attempted physical intimacy. When she resisted, he reportedly blackmailed her by threatening to share intimate photos with her family via WhatsApp. Under duress, the accused allegedly undressed the survivor, took nude photographs, and subsequently sexually assaulted her.
The abuse and blackmail continued, with Jaiswal allegedly stalking the survivor and repeatedly threatening to post her explicit photos on Instagram. He also issued severe threats, including acid attack warnings, further intimidating the minor. The abuse persisted until June 10, 2025, when the survivor courageously approached the police.
An FIR was registered on June 14, 2025, under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including Sections 64, 74, 78, 79, 351(2), as well as Sections 4, 8, and 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and Sections 66(c) and 67(a) of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Authorities noted a delay in reporting due to the survivor's trauma but confirmed immediate legal action upon filing the complaint. Counseling and legal assistance are being provided to the survivor.
Man Arrested for Repeated Rape of Minor Under Marriage Pretext
In a separate but equally serious case of sexual exploitation, the Tulinj Police in Palghar district have arrested Niraj Shravan Prasad, a 23-year-old resident of Aman Apartment, Nalasopara East, for allegedly repeatedly raping a minor girl under the pretext of marriage. Prasad was apprehended on June 17, 2025.
According to the police, the 16-year-old survivor was targeted by Prasad between January 2025 and June 6, 2025. During this period, despite being fully aware of her minor age, Prasad allegedly coerced her into physical relations multiple times, consistently promising to marry her.
The abuse reportedly took place at the accused's house. The case escalated on June 15, 2025, when the accused allegedly threatened the survivor, stating he would not marry her. Traumatized by the continued abuse and threats, the survivor finally approached the Tulinj Police Station and filed a complaint.
Upon receiving the complaint, police promptly registered an FIR under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Sections 64, 69, and 351(2), along with Sections 4, 5(L), and 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Prasad was arrested the same evening at 8:18 pm.
Authorities have assured that appropriate support and legal assistance will be extended to both survivors as the investigation proceeds.
