Mumbai crime:13-year-old allegedly molested by family friend in Mumbai's Agripada; accused on the run

Manhunt is underway to catch the absconding accused under POCSO. Representational Image

In a disturbing case from Mumbai's Agripada area, a 13-year-old boy was repeatedly molested by a 40-year-old man who was known to his family. The incidents took place at a residential society in Agripada. Police officials confirmed the case on Wednesday and said a manhunt is underway to catch the absconding accused, as reported by IANS.

What exactly happened?

The accused, Adil Ishaq Latif, a resident of the same area, took advantage of times when the boy's family members were not at home.

As per IANS reports, according to the complaint, he showed the boy pornographic films and physically molested him. Whenever the boy tried to resist, the accused would threaten him.

For a long time, the boy suffered in silence and did not share his ordeal with anyone. Finally, he gathered the courage to tell his family everything he had gone through.

Deeply shocked and concerned by the revelation, the family immediately went to the Agripada Police Station and filed a formal complaint, as per the news agency.

In the complaint, it was mentioned that the man warned of "dire consequences would follow" if the boy did not obey, reported the news agency.

One police official said, "Gathering the courage, the victim confided the entire ordeal to his family. Subsequently, the family approached the Agripada Police Station and filed a formal complaint," reported the news agency.

Police action and investigation

Based on a complaint filed by the victim's family, the Agripada Police Station in Mumbai has registered a case against the accused under Section 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, reported the news agency.

Treating the matter with utmost seriousness, police have launched a manhunt, a search operation to trace and arrest the accused.

However, according to the police, the accused has been absconding since the case was registered. Officials said, "Search is underway at several locations to apprehend the absconding accused. The investigations are underway."

Further details are awaited as the probe continues. Police are appealing for any information that could help trace the accused.

(With IANS Inputs)