Mumbai's Darkest Hour: 12-Year-Old Minor Gang Raped in Jogeshwari, Probe On

Mumbai: A disturbing incident has emerged from the Jogeshwari area of Mumbai, where a twelve-year-old girl was the victim of a brutal gang rape. Authorities have since apprehended five suspects in connection with this heinous crime, revealing that the alleged assailants work as air conditioning mechanics.

The ordeal began when the girl was spotted alone in the vicinity of Sanjay Nagar, prompting the suspects to take her to their home under false pretenses. Once there, they took turns assaulting her, leaving her traumatized and in dire need of help.

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Concern arose when the railway police encountered the minor wandering near Dadar railway station. Upon questioning her, she disclosed the horrific details of her experience, prompting the police to take immediate action. Officers alerted the Jogeshwari Police, who had received prior reports about the girl’s kidnapping.

According to the Mumbai Police Official, " The incident happened on 25th Feb and was reported the next day." The official described the incident: "The girl had arrived home late, sparking a heated argument with her uncle. Distraught, she left her home and made her way to Jogeshwari station, where she met a boy who offered to accompany her to Bandra's Band Stand. After spending time there, she returned and encountered a group of five youths who allegedly took her to Marine Drive and then to Sanjay Nagar, where the horrific crime occurred. The following morning, while the accused were away at work, the girl managed to escape the location and began traveling between train stations, and then she was spotted by a GRP official in a very distressed condition"

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Following the girl’s testimony, which shed light on the nature of the crime, authorities invoked relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, leading to the swift arrest of all five perpetrators. The suspects are Jamal, Aaftab, Mahfooz, Hasan, and Jafer. The police are currently conducting further investigations to uncover more details about the case and any possible connections to prior criminal activity.

The state government has also taken notice of the incident, and officials have been asked to ensure through investigation and to enhance security measures in public areas, especially focusing on child safety.

The case serves as a grim reminder of the threats that persist in society, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic change to prevent such atrocities from recurring.