In a disturbing incident, a minor rape victim has given birth to a child after being sexually exploited by a man who promised to marry her. The accused, identified as Dhaniram Bhalavi (20), has been arrested by the Koradi Police and sent to jail. The accused, Bhalavi, is a resident of Seoni district in Madhya Pradesh. He had come to Nagpur in search of a livelihood. While working in the city, he met the victim, a minor girl who was working with him. Police said that there is a confusion regarding the girl’s exact age as sources citing it as either 13 or 17 years-old. However, it is confirmed that she is underage. Dhaniram lured the girl into a relationship and continued to sexually exploit her under the false pretense of marriage. The repeated sexual abuse resulted in the victim becoming pregnant.

 

When the victim’s family discovered her condition, they initially attempted to arrange a marriage between the girl and the accused. However, the marriage could not take place because the girl was a minor and the law prohibits child marriage. To avoid social embarrassment and stigma, the family moved the victim to a relative’s home in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.

 

The crime came to light when the victim gave birth at a hospital in Jabalpur. Following mandatory protocols regarding minor mothers, the hospital management immediately informed the local police. A case of rape was registered against Dhaniram in Jabalpur. However, since the sexual exploitation occurred within the jurisdiction of the Koradi Police Station in Nagpur, the investigation was transferred to the local police here. Recognising the seriousness of the case, the Koradi Police and arrested Dhaniram on Thursday. He was produced in court on Friday afternoon, after which he was sent to jail.