A 62-year-old man has been arrested for <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/thane-ashram-school-cook-arrested-for-allegedly-molesting-22-minor-students-23647131" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">allegedly molesting</a> a 14-year-old girl and making obscene remarks towards her in Maharashtra's Bhiwandi, police said on Tuesday.
The accused, who works at a powerloom, is the girl's neighbour and lives in a chawl in the Taware Wadi area of Bhiwandi, according to police.
<h2>Mother approaches police</h2>
The incident allegedly took place on Sunday night when the teenager went to a vacant area near her residential chawl to feed an animal, a police official said.
According to the complaint filed by the girl's mother, the accused allegedly approached the girl and grabbed her hand with sexual intent. He also allegedly made <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-man-held-for-posting-obscene-comments-about-women-police-personnel-on-social-media-23288599" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">obscene remarks</a> towards her during the incident.
The girl's mother subsequently approached the police and lodged a complaint following which an investigation was initiated.
<h2>Case registered under BNS, POCSO</h2>
Bhiwandi police registered a case against the accused under Section 74 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with assault or criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty.
Relevant provisions of the <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/thane-court-acquits-tennis-coach-accused-of-raping-minor-student-cites-lack-of-evidences-23639409" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act</a> have also been invoked as the alleged victim is a minor.
Police arrested the 62-year-old following the complaint and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident.
<h2>Investigation underway</h2>
Investigators are examining the allegations and recording statements as part of the probe. Police are also looking into the circumstances at the location where the alleged incident occurred.
The accused and the girl were known to each other as neighbours, police said.
The case has brought attention to the importance of ensuring the safety of children in residential neighbourhoods and public or vacant spaces.
Police officials said the investigation is continuing and further details will emerge as the probe progresses.
No further information regarding the accused's <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/legal-notice-sent-to-mumbai-police-over-alleged-detention-of-minors-during-dadar-protest-23641297" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">legal proceedings</a> or the girl's condition was immediately available.
The police have registered the case based on the complaint submitted by the girl's mother and are carrying out further investigation in accordance with the law.
Police are questioning the accused and examining all available evidence to establish the sequence of events.
(With inputs from PTI)

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According to the complaint filed by the girl's mother, the accused allegedly approached the girl and grabbed her hand with sexual intent. He also allegedly made obscene remarks towards her during the incident

Thane: 62-year-old man arrested for allegedly molesting 14-year-old girl in Bhiwandi

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