Investigators probing the kidnapping and sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl are closely studying the behaviour and mindset of accused Nirmay Madhav Pakhare (19), a resident of Thane. Police suspect that Pakhare may have developed an interest in ‘dark psychology’. However, investigators have not reached any final conclusion so far. A senior police official explained that the term ‘dark psychology’ is generally used to describe manipulative or harmful behaviour. It may involve deception, fear, emotional pressure and control. A person may first gain someone’s trust and later exploit their weaknesses. Blackmail, threats, intimidation and emotional pressure are some common examples. Such behaviour can become more serious when it is combined with physical violence, he said. Police stressed that ‘dark psychology’ is not a medical or psychiatric diagnosis.

 

It is a broad term used to describe certain forms of manipulation and harmful conduct. Senior police offiicals became interested in the issue after examining Pakhare’s mobile phone and other material seized during the probe. His phone has a photograph of a youth wearing a black hoodie as its screensaver. The face of the youth is not visible. Police are trying to understand the connection of the image with the patterns of the crime. Investigators have also seized eight types of sharp weapons from Pakhare’s house in Thane. The seizure includes knives, long blades, choppers and other sharp weapons. Police said some of the weapons were extremely sharp. Some also appeared to have been recently sharpened. Investigators are examining whether any of these weapons were used during the assault. They are also comparing the weapons with the injuries found on the girl.

 

The sequence of events is another major focus of the investigation. According to police, Pakhare slowly contacted the girl through a fake Instagram account. He slowly developed a friendship with her over social media. The conversations later became intimate, police said. Investigators allege that Pakhare obtained the girl’s private photographs. He then used the photographs to threaten and blackmail her. Police suspect that he threatened to make the photographs public if she refused to meet him. The girl was later taken to a rented room in Dighori. Police said they found her after breaking open the door. She was tied to a bed. A knife was found nearby. The girl had several injuries. Police said she had wounds on her wrists and neck. According to the police investigation, she was kept captive for more than 30 hours. She was also sexually assaulted during this period. Investigators are now studying the entire sequence as one pattern. They are examining the use of a fake identity, the social media conversations, the collection of private photographs, the blackmail and the physical violence to “dark psychology”. Police are also trying to understand why Pakhare kept several sharp weapons at his residence.

 

A box containing different types of contraceptives was also seized. A laptop was also recovered from his Thane home. The laptop will be sent for forensic examination. Investigators hope it may provide information about the accused’s online activities and communications. Police are also trying to unlock Pakhare’s mobile phone. He has refused to provide the password. Investigators suspect that the phone could contain important chats, photographs, videos or other digital evidence. The fake social media identity, the hidden-face image, the sharp weapons and the manner in which the girl was controlled have prompted investigators to examine whether Pakhare had an interest in dark or violent themes. However, police have made it clear that these clues do not by themselves establish a psychological disorder. They also do not automatically prove the motive behind the crime. The police officials are expected to rely on digital evidence, forensic reports, weapon examination and questioning before drawing any conclusion. If required, police may also seek the opinion of psychological experts to understand the accused’s behaviour and mental state. The investigation is still underway.