SURAT: A 21-year-old photographer from Katargam was detained for allegedly raping a minor girl several times, blackmailing her with lewd videos and forcing her to steal money from her house.
The accused Kush Patel shot the video of his crime and used to threaten the 16-year-old girl to force him into a physical relationship as well as stealing from her house. The girl has stolen nearly Rs 2.8 lakh from her house after being pressurized by him, said police.
Patel had raped the girl several times since September after getting to know her through social media, Katargam police said. He has been booked under sections of Protection of Children From Sexual Offences (Pocso) and Information Technology Act.
He will be arrested after Covid-19 test, said police
Investigation so far revealed that Patel’s friend lives in the residential locality of the survivor. They initially met through a common friend and developed a close friendship through social media.
“The girl was caught a couple of times leaving home with money after which the family members realised that she was stealing money. When questioned, she broke down and revealed that she was being blackmailed by Patel,” said police.
Patel spent the money for personal pleasures.
(The victim's identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme Court directives on cases related to sexual assault)