7-Year-Old Girl Allegedly Raped by Neighbour in Raigad, Maharashtra

A 7-year-old girl was allegedly raped by her 22-year-old neighbour on Friday in a village on the outskirts of Raigad district. Police say the minor, along with her brother, was playing on the beach when she was lured away by the accused, Aaryan Kotkar, while on her way to answer the call of nature. Kotkar is accused of taking the girl to a nearby fisherman’s boat and sexually assaulting her.

After the incident, Kotkar allegedly threatened the girl with dire consequences if she revealed what happened. However, the girl later confided in her parents, and a complaint was filed with the Revdanda Police. Kotkar, who fled the area following the assault, was apprehended by police on Sunday. The accused is a resident of the same village and lives just 200 meters from the victim’s home. Authorities noted that Kotkar has a prior criminal record, including a previous arrest in a physical assault case.

Medical Examination Confirms Assault

The victim sustained multiple injuries and was examined medically, which confirmed signs of the assault, claim police. Police have filed charges under relevant sections of the BNS, including sections under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO). Kotkar is set to be presented in court on Monday.

Concerns Over Child Safety
This incident follows the shocking Badlapur incident in August 2024, when two minor schoolgirls were allegedly assaulted by a sweeper a school, leading to widespread protests across the state. The 23-year-old accused in that case was killed in a police encounter after allegedly attempting to flee. Authorities have called for increased vigilance from parents and communities to protect children from such crimes, with growing concern over child safety.​