The 19-year-old accused in the kidnapping and sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl was admitted to Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) on Wednesday night after complaining of chest pain during a routine medical examination. According to Hudkeshwar Police, the accused, Nirmay Madhav Pakhare, a resident of Thane, complained of chest pain during his check-up. Doctors advised his admission to GMCH for treatment and observation. His police custody remand ended on Thursday. The court granted him magisterial custody. However, he will be shifted to jail only after he is discharged from the hospital. Police said the hospitalisation has affected parts of the investigation. According to investigators, the accused is refusing to reveal the passwordof his mobile phone. Police suspect the device contains important digital evidence linked to the case.

 

Police have, however, succeeded in unlocking the survivor’s mobile phone. They are now examining chats, call records and other data collected from the device. Hudkeshwar Police said digital evidence is a key part of the investigation. They are trying to establish the sequence of events and verify other evidence. The accused was arrested after police rescued the 16-year-old girl from a rented room in Dighori late on Monday night. According to police, the girl was found tied up and had nearly 20 injuries, including knife wounds on her wrists and neck. Police alleged that the accused held the minor captive for over 30 hours and repeatedly sexually assaulted her. He has been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, kidnapping and other relevant provisions of law. The investigation is continuing.