The Vikhroli police, on Sunday, arrested a 45-year-old Unani medicine specialist on charges of repeatedly raping his minor daughter and threatening her with harm if she told anyone about it.

Police said the accused is the father of seven daughters and two sons, and lives in Vikhroli (West). Two of his daughters are married. The man’s wife has been bedridden for the past one year and has been advised complete rest. As per the complaint of the 15-year-old girl, she was raped at least seven to eight times over the past six months at their residence.

“Depressed by the sexual abuse, the girl mustered courage to speak about her ordeal to a neighbour. Subsequently, a few other neighbours including some elderly members in the locality approached the Vikhroli police, after which the accused was arrested. This is a very unfortunate incident,” said Quaiser Khalid, additional commissioner of police, east region.

The accused had threatened his wife and daughter into not disclosing the sexual abuse. When asked if any of the other daughters were abused, Khalid said, “We will cover all aspects during the course of the investigation.” 

The accused has been arrested under section 376 (rape), 506 (criminal intimidation) for threatening the victim and the mother of the victim along with relevant sections of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. “The girl has been sent for a medical examination  and reports are awaited,” Khalid said.