Stain on khaki: Mumbai cop held for raping 10-year-old

According to the police, Ambekar had separated from his wife, and was in a live-in relationship with the girl’s mother. Ambekar used to allegedly assault the girl in her mother’s absence

A 52-year-old constable, Janardan Ambekar, from Tardeo police station has been arrested for allegedly raping a 10-year-old.

According to the police, Ambekar had separated from his wife, and was in a live-in relationship with the girl’s mother. Ambekar used to allegedly assault the girl in her mother’s absence.

The incident came to light when an acquaintance noticed a change in the girl’s behaviour. He then asked the girl what the problem was, to which she narrated the ordeal. The man then took her to the Tardeo police station. Initially, the girl was scared to speak up, but was put at ease by women police officers. Based on the girl’s complaint, the police have lodged an FIR against Ambekar.

S Jaykumar, deputy commissioner of police, zone 3, said, “Ambekar has been suspended. According to the complaint, the minor was raped approximately a month ago.”

The girl was sent for medical examination at Nagpada police hospital, the reports of which are awaited. According to sources, there were injuries on the girl’s private parts.

Police said prima facie it seems the mother was unaware of the incident.

A case of rape has been registered against the accused under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) act. Ambekar has been remanded in police custody till January 1.

Another senior police officer said Ambekar was indisciplined and would often bunk work without informing his seniors.