Police officer probed in teen’s rape absconding

MUMBAI - A senior police inspector was on the run Saturday after his name came up as a suspect in the rape of a 15-year-old girl who was forced into prostitution, police said.

“Yes, a police officer’s name has come up in the case. The investigations are on. We cannot reveal much before we are absolutely certain,” Additional Commissioner of Police Ramrao Pawar said.

Police sources identified him as Senior Inspector Arun Borude, who has not reported for work for five-six days citing ill-health.

The case came to light when the victim’s family discovered in June that the teenager was four months pregnant and that an abortion was not possible, another police official said.

The victim delivered a baby Oct 17 and her family filed a police complaint Nov 1.

Borude’s name came up as a suspect this week during investigations. “His name has not been mentioned in the complaint registered by the victim’s family,” Pawar said.

The police have started collecting forensic evidence. The victim’s blood sample has been sent for tests.

The police Nov 2 arrested Shanta Gaikwad, a woman who worked as a domestic help in Powai, following a complaint by the victim’s family.

Shanta is accused of forcing the teenager into prostitution after luring her on the pretext of a job.