Man booked for molesting mentally challenged minor in Thane

THANE: Police have registered a case against a man for allegedly molesting a 13-year-old mentally challenged girl in the Bhiwandi area of Thane district, officials said on Tuesday.The incident reportedly took place on 12 December last year, but the victim’s mother only approached police with a complaint on 8 March. She did not provide a reason for the delay in reporting, authorities added.According to a Kongaon police official, the girl and her sister had visited a relative’s house, where the accused, who was apparently aware of her intellectual disability, allegedly touched her inappropriately.Following the complaint, police registered a case on Monday against the accused under Sections 74 (assault on a woman with intent to outrage modesty) and 78 (stalking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, as well as provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.Investigations into the matter are currently ongoing.(The victim's identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme court directives on cases related to sexual assault)