Hospital alert prompts Zero FIR in POCSO case in Navi Mumbai

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The Khandeshwar Police have booked one Mangesh Pawar from Kandhipli for allegedly raping and impregnating a 14-year-old girl from New Panvel. The matter came to light on Saturday when the minor, accompanied by her mother, visited a hospital in Nerul for an abortion. Noting the age of the patient, the doctors alerted police.

"The incident originally took place in New Panvel, which falls in the Khandeshwar police jurisdiction. Because the survivor was taken to a hospital in Nerul, our team instantly filed a ‘Zero FIR'," said a police officer.

The incident

Police said on April 14, the accused entered the minor's home when she was alone. Tricking her under the guise of friendship, Pawar allegedly raped her.

POCSO Act

Khandeshwar police have registered a case under BNS, along with the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The accused is currently absconding.

What is a Zero FIR?

A ‘Zero FIR' is one that can be filed at any police station, regardless of where the crime took place or the jurisdiction of the police station.