In a disturbing case from Kheda district, police have arrested eight men aged between 19 and 26 for allegedly sexually assaulting and blackmailing a minor girl for nearly three years, while a ninth accused remains absconding. The survivor, who is now 17, allegedly endured repeated exploitation between 2023 and 2025 after being lured into a relationship by the main accused, Parvez Pathan.
Investigators say he allegedly gained the girl’s trust, took explicit photographs and videos, and used them to threaten and silence her, enabling multiple others to participate in the assaults. The alleged abuse came to light when the girl confided in her family, who then approached the police.
Authorities have registered a case under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, which deals specifically with crimes against minors. Eight accused have been arrested so far, and police teams are continuing their search for the remaining suspect while collecting forensic and technical evidence to strengthen the case.
Grooming, Coercion And Years Of Abuse
According to investigators, the alleged abuse began around the Ramadan period in 2023 when the minor was first approached by Pathan, who allegedly initiated a relationship with her. Police claim that after gaining her trust, he recorded intimate photographs and videos, which later became tools of coercion and intimidation.
The girl was allegedly threatened with death and warned that the material would be circulated publicly if she resisted or informed anyone about the assaults. Authorities say the footage was used to blackmail her into meeting the accused at different locations across the district, where she was allegedly sexually assaulted repeatedly by multiple men.
Police identified the other arrested accused as Mahir Khan Pathan (24), Faizan Khan Pathan (23), Taufiq Khan Pathan (23), Ayan Khan Pathan (19), Moin Khan Pathan (22), Marukh Khan Pathan (25) and Salman Khan Pathan (26).
Another accused, Sahil Pathan, is currently absconding and is being actively searched for by the police. Officials allege that all nine accused belonged to the same village as the victim and worked together in a conspiracy that enabled the repeated exploitation.
Police Probe And Legal Action
Following the complaint, the Kheda Town Police registered an FIR under several serious charges, including rape, gang rape, criminal intimidation and conspiracy under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
According to Kheda Superintendent of Police Vijay Patel, the complaint alleged that the girl had been repeatedly blackmailed with photographs and forced to meet the accused at various locations where she was sexually assaulted over an extended period. Police said they acted promptly after receiving the complaint and arrested eight suspects.
Investigators are currently collecting digital, technical and forensic evidence as part of the probe, including examining electronic devices that may contain photographs, videos or communications connected to the alleged crimes.
Officers have also conducted crime scene reconstruction exercises, taking the arrested accused to multiple locations where the assaults are believed to have taken place in order to verify statements and establish a timeline of events.
Meanwhile, a special court under the POCSO framework has remanded the accused to police custody for further interrogation as investigators continue to gather evidence and locate the absconding suspect. Authorities have indicated that additional charges could be added depending on the findings of the investigation.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Cases involving the sexual exploitation of minors are among the most distressing reminders of the vulnerabilities many children face in society. When abuse is compounded by manipulation, intimidation and the misuse of digital media for blackmail, the psychological trauma for survivors can be profound and long-lasting.
Laws such as the POCSO Act were designed to protect children and ensure swift justice, but meaningful change also depends on strong community awareness, responsible use of technology, accessible reporting mechanisms and unwavering support systems for survivors.
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