Instagram kidnapping case  

 

In Instagram kidnapping case, the terrace of a building opposite the teenage girl’s house allegedly became the scene of a sexual assault months before she was held captive. Hudkeshwar police investigating the case have uncovered disturbing details about accused Nirmay Madhav Pakhare (19), a resident of Thane. According to a police official, Pakhare went to the building at around 9 pm. He called the 16-year-old girl and asked her to come there. When she refused, he allegedly threatened her. He also warned her that he would make her obscene photographs viral on social media. Fearing his threats, the girl went to the terrace at night. Police said Pakhare allegedly sexually assaulted her there. The girl later returned home.

 

Pakhare stayed at a hotel in the city. Police said the terrace was directly opposite the girl’s house. Investigators believe the incident was part of a pattern of threats and control. Pakhare kept monitoring the girl through video calls. He would tell her where to go before making the calls. He would then watch her to see whether she was following his instructions, police officials said. In one instance, police said, Pakhare allegedly ordered the girl to sleep under a bed for the entire night. He asked her to make a video call from there. The call reportedly continued throughout the night. Pakhare was keeping a watch on her during the call. Police have also seized several items from Pakhare’s house in Thane. The seizure includes eight types of sharp weapons.

 

The weapons include knives, long knives, choppers and other cutting weapons. Some of them appeared to have been recently sharpened, police said. A laptop was also seized. Police will send it for forensic examination. Investigators also found a box containing different types of contraceptives. Police are trying to find out why Pakhare had kept the weapons and other material at home. Police said Pakhare’s parents are separated. He was living with his mother and elder brother in Thane. His mother is undergoing psychiatric treatment, police said. Pakhare is currently admitted to Government Medical College and Hospital. He complained of chest pain during medical examination. His police custody ended on Thursday. The court then sent him to magisterial custody.

 

He will be shifted to jail after his discharge from hospital. Police are also trying to unlock his mobile phone. Pakhare has reportedly refused to share the password. Investigators suspect the phone may contain important evidence. Police have already accessed the girl’s phone and are examining her chats, calls and other digital data. The case came to light late on last Monday night. Hudkeshwar Police rescued the girl from a rented room in Dighori. Police said she was found tied up. She had nearly 20 injuries, including wounds on her wrists and neck. Pakhare was arrested and booked under the POCSO Act, kidnapping and other relevant provisions of law. The investigation is on.