Two Men Arrested in Separate Rape Cases Involving Minors in Dombivli

On a quiet Tuesday morning, the Dombivli police station was buzzing with activity after two separate complaints of sexual assault involving minors landed on their desk. The first case involved a teenage girl, around 14 years old, who reported being assaulted by a man she knew from her neighborhood. According to the victim’s family, the incident took place inside the girl’s own home while the suspect was staying over as a guest.

The second allegation came from a different corner of the suburb, where a young boy, just under 12, alleged that an unfamiliar adult had forcibly taken him to a secluded spot and molested him. The boy’s parents promptly approached the police, providing details that helped investigators zero in on the suspect.

In both instances, the police acted swiftly. Within hours of filing the FIRs, officers managed to locate and arrest the accused—both men, aged late twenties to early thirties, who now remain in custody. The suspects were taken to the Dombivli police station, where they were presented with the charges and subsequently handed over to the custody of the Thane District Court.

Medical examinations were conducted for both victims at a nearby government hospital. Doctors confirmed that the injuries were consistent with the reported assaults, and the children have been placed under the care of child welfare officials for psychological counseling.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ramesh Patil, speaking to the press, emphasized that the department is treating these cases with the utmost seriousness. “Any crime against a child is a grave offence. We are committed to ensuring that the perpetrators face the full force of the law, and we will provide every possible support to the victims and their families,” he said.

The investigations are still ongoing. Police are combing through CCTV footage from the neighbourhood, interviewing neighbors, and tracing the suspects’ recent movements. Both cases have been forwarded to the Special Crime Unit for further examination, and the accused are likely to be charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Community members expressed shock and disappointment, urging local authorities to step up safety measures. Meanwhile, NGOs working in child protection have pledged to offer continued counseling and legal assistance to the affected families.