India recorded over 1.87 lakh cases of crimes against children in 2024, with 69,191 cases registered under the POCSO Act, according to NCRB data.
As teenagers spend more time on social media platforms, concerns around online safety and digital exploitation continue to grow.
A similar case emerged in Nagpur, where a Class 12 student’s online interaction allegedly turned into a crime.
The investigation involved an Instagram connection, digital evidence, a missing person complaint and a police operation that led to the arrest of the accused.
Here is how the Nagpur Instagram assault case unfolded.
What Happened?
According to police, the 16-year-old Class 12 student came in contact with the accused, identified as 20-year-old Nirmay Madhav Pakhare, through Instagram and online gaming platforms.
Police alleged that Pakhare used a fake Instagram account under the name “Akash Mehra” to befriend the survivor. According to reports, their interaction began in May last year.
Pakhare, a BBA student and resident of Thane, allegedly developed contact with the teenager before asking her to meet him.
Police alleged that he later took her to a rented flat in Dighori, South Nagpur, where she was allegedly kept for more than 24 hours and assaulted.
How Did The Case Come To Light?
The case came to light after the survivor’s parents approached Hudkeshwar police station when she failed to return home for nearly 24 hours and her mobile phone remained switched off.
Her father then filed a kidnapping complaint, following which police launched a search operation.
Investigators analysed Instagram conversations and other digital records to trace her location.
After a search lasting around 20 hours, police traced her to a rented flat in Dighori, where she was rescued.
The survivor was later admitted to the Government Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur, for treatment, according to reports.
What Did Police Find At The Flat?
After reaching the location, police collected evidence from the rented flat.
According to reports, officers found the survivor at the location and recovered items including a knife and other material from the premises.
Police also claimed that items including a BDSM kit, sex enhancement pills and drug-laced chocolates were recovered during the investigation.
Investigators alleged that these findings indicated that the alleged crime may have involved planning.
These claims are part of the police investigation and will be examined during the legal process.
Who Is Nirmay Madhav Pakhare?
The accused has been identified as 20-year-old Nirmay Madhav Pakhare, a BBA student and resident of Thane.
According to reports, Pakhare is the son of two doctors and the nephew of a senior Indian Police Service officer.
Police alleged that he used his online interaction with the teenager to establish contact before the incident.
Investigators examined his digital communication, movements and other evidence collected during the probe.
How Did Police Arrest The Accused?
After tracing the survivor to the Dighori flat, police began searching for Pakhare.
According to reports, investigators traced his residence in Thane through digital evidence.
Nagpur police contacted Thane police and sought assistance from his family in locating him.
Police reportedly asked Pakhare’s mother to call him, while cybercrime officials tracked the call and narrowed his location to the Dighori area.
Pakhare was later arrested and taken to the Hudkeshwar police station.
What Did Police Allege About The Crime?
Investigators alleged that Pakhare threatened the survivor with sharing her photographs online if she refused to continue the relationship.
Police also alleged that he had rented the Dighori flat and had met the survivor there earlier.
According to the investigation, he allegedly took her to the flat on a Sunday morning and kept her there for more than 24 hours before police rescued her.
The allegations are part of the police case and will be examined during the legal proceedings.
What Legal Action Has Been Taken?
Since the survivor is a minor, police registered a case under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act along with relevant criminal laws.
The accused was arrested and produced before the court.
Senior Inspector Anamika Mirzapure said the court remanded Pakhare to two days of police custody for questioning.
Police are continuing the investigation and collecting digital, forensic and other evidence related to the case.
TL;DR | News At Glance
What happened?
A 16-year-old Class 12 student in Nagpur was allegedly kidnapped and sexually assaulted after connecting with someone online.
Where did it happen?
The alleged incident took place at a rented flat in Dighori, South Nagpur.
Who is accused?
The accused has been identified as 20-year-old Nirmay Madhav Pakhare, a BBA student from Thane.
How was he traced?
Police analysed Instagram conversations and digital records to trace the survivor’s location and later tracked the accused.
What legal action followed?
Pakhare was arrested and the case was registered under the POCSO Act. Police custody was granted for further questioning.
