JUHU BIZMAN, WIFE ARRESTED FOR RAPING TWO MINORS

MUMBAI: A Juhu-based businessman and his wife were arrested on August 8 and charged with Protection of Children Against Sexual Offence (POCSO) act for kidnapping and raping two minor girls aged 14 and 16. The girls had ostensibly been hired as domestic help to work in a flat that the businessman owns in Mira Road. The 16-year-old’s mother has also been arrested on suspicion of ‘supplying’ the girls to the couple. Parameshwar Ganame, senior police inspector at DN Nagar police station, said, “A detailed investigation is being carried out.”

The incident came to light when missing person complaint was filed on July 24 at DN Nagar police station by the family of the 14-year-old when she did not return home after going to work at the Mira Road apartment on July 21. The 14-year-old had gone with the 16-year-old.

Initial police investigations suggest the couple held the 14-year-old captive between July 21 and July 24. The 16-year-old was not with the couple during this time. Since she is friends with the 14-year-old, she found out that the other girl’s family had gone to the police. The 16-year-old then informed the couple that a complaint had been filed, which is when they released the 14-yearold after warning her of dire consequences if she spoke to anyone about her time with them.

The 14-year-old did not return home and was eventually found in Andheri by the police on July 25. Since she is a minor and a complaint had been filed, she was sent for a routine medical examination before being returned to her family.

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