The case surfaced in September 2025 when the woman complained of severe abdominal discomfort to her grandmother. Communicating through gestures, she indicated abnormal movements in her stomach. The family took her to Cama and Albless Hospital, where doctors determined that she was nearly five months pregnant. Hospital authorities immediately alerted the police, triggering a criminal investigation.
According to investigators, the pregnancy resulted from repeated sexual assault that allegedly occurred between March and September 2025. Following medical termination of the pregnancy, DNA samples from the fetus were sent for forensic analysis. The laboratory report, received on January 27, confirmed a genetic match with the woman’s father. He was arrested on February 3 after the findings were verified.
Police said the investigation faced initial hurdles due to the victim’s inability to speak or hear, which made statement recording complex and time-consuming. At the early stage of the probe, the father denied any sexual abuse and failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the pregnancy. He also reportedly resisted the registration of a formal complaint.
A case was eventually registered on September 22, 2025, after counseling and assistance enabled the victim to lodge a complaint. However, she was initially unable to identify the perpetrator by name or directly indicate her father’s involvement. Based on visual identification through photographs and gestures, police had earlier arrested a 16-year-old boy and a 32-year-old man. Both were later cleared after forensic testing ruled out their involvement.
As part of an expanded investigation, police collected blood and DNA samples from 17 individuals who had regular contact with the victim, including close relatives and neighbours. The forensic results conclusively pointed to the father, leading to his arrest. Authorities said further investigation is underway to determine whether any other individual played a role in facilitating or concealing the crime.
Police have booked the accused under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and provisions of laws protecting persons with disabilities. Officials said the case highlights the need for heightened safeguards for women with disabilities, particularly within domestic settings.
The incident has renewed focus on crimes against women in Maharashtra. According to the latest National Crime Records Bureau data, the state continues to report a high number of cases involving sexual violence, underscoring ongoing challenges in prevention and early detection.
