The Antop Hill police has arrested a 56-year-old trader for allegedly attempting to rape an 11-year-old girl in the Antop Hill area of central Mumbai on Saturday. The accused has been a tenant at the victim’s residence for the last 17 years.
According to the Antop Hill police, the matter came to light on Saturday at around 6.30 pm. The accused, Hanif Ghachi, has also molested the victim on three previous occasions.
“The victim has a one-storied house and the ground floor room has been rented to Ghachi. Recently, he attempted to rape her at his rented place and then criminally intimidated her to keep quiet,” said sub-inspector Prasad Dhebe.
The victim, however, broke down and was seen crying by her mother on Saturday. When the victim’s mother confronted her, she narrated her ordeal.
On Saturday evening, the victim’s family approached the Antop Hill police station where a case of rape, molestation, criminal intimidation under the IPC and other relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act was registered against the accused.
“We have arrested Ghachi and produced him before a magistrate’s court. He has been sent to police custody till September 28, ” added Mr Dhebe.
Ghachi is a trader of cutlery implements and has three children, including two daughters.