Navi Mumbai auto driver arrested for 'marrying' 15-year-old girl, abetting her suicide

The Navi Mumbai police in Maharashtra have arrested a 21-year-old autorickshaw driver for allegedly pushing a 15-year-old girl to end her life after "marrying" her

The Navi Mumbai police in Maharashtra have arrested a 21-year-old autorickshaw driver for allegedly pushing a 15-year-old girl to end her life after "marrying" her, an official said on Thursday.

The girl, whose family originally hails from Nepal, lived in Navi Mumbai. According to the police, accused Subham Maruti Phule befriended her before "kidnapping and marrying" her in June 2023.

While Phule raped the minor several times, he also used to beat her after getting drunk, said the official quoting the first information report (FIR).

Fed up with the daily torture, the girl hanged herself on Monday evening, the official said.

Also read: Maharashtra politics: Nana Patole blames BJP for 'Maratha reservation' protests in state

On a complaint by the girl's family, the Navi Mumbai police on Thursday registered a case against Phule for rape, abetment to suicide, kidnapping, and assault under the Indian Penal Code, and for offences under the POCSO Act and arrested him, said senior inspector Rajendra Kothe of Rabale police station.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!