Nagpur: In a disturbing incident, a 55-year-old man from Panchpaoli was arrested for allegedly raping a six-year-old girl here on Monday. The incident has sparked anger in the vicinity, with local residents demanding swift action against the accused and his family, who allegedly attempted to pressure the police into dropping the case.

The accused, identified as Dhirendra Sudhir Bhotmange, a resident of Barse Nagar, allegedly targeted the young girl on the evening of Monday, November 10.

According to police sources, the victim, who was playing outside her home, was approached by Bhotmange, who was familiar to her. He reportedly offered her chocolates to entice her into accompanying him to his residence, where the assault is said to have taken place. The following day, the girl’s mother discovered injuries on her daughter and immediately reported the incident to the authorities.

Upon receiving the complaint, Panchpaoli police took swift action, detaining Bhotmange. As news of the incident spread, outraged residents gathered outside Bhotmange’s home, calling for justice and demanding that his family also face scrutiny. Tensions heightened further when Bhotmange’s brother, a government official, arrived at the police station along with family members, allegedly attempting to exert influence to have the charges dismissed. Family members claimed that the accusations were fabricated and that Bhotmange’s detention was unwarranted.

Police were able to de-escalate the situation at the station and proceeded to formally register charges against Bhotmange under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act based on the victim’s account.