Nagpur: A 25-year-old police constable attached to the Nagpur Police Commissionerate has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 17-year-old Class 12 student at his residence in the Gittikhadan area. The alleged offence came to light after the minor was found to be pregnant.

The accused has been identified as Pratik Vinod Dharpal (25), a resident of Mahesh Nagar on Borgaon Road in Gittikhadan. He is posted with the police department’s Quick Response Team (QRT).

According to police, Dharpal came in contact with the girl through Instagram in 2022. He later obtained her mobile number and started communicating with her through WhatsApp. As their interactions increased, he allegedly persuaded her to meet him. The girl reportedly agreed, trusting him because he was a police employee.

Called home on birthday pretext

Police said that on August 17, Dharpal allegedly called the girl to his residence on the pretext of celebrating his birthday. According to the complaint, he allegedly found her alone at the house and demanded sexual relations.

When the girl refused, Dharpal allegedly threatened her and sexually assaulted her, police said.

The girl reportedly did not immediately disclose the alleged assault, fearing that she would not receive justice if she complained against a police employee.

Pregnancy brings alleged assault to light

The matter came to light on September 22 when the student reportedly felt dizzy and collapsed while attending college. Teachers took her to a hospital and informed her parents.

Doctors subsequently informed the family that she was pregnant. During the ensuing discussion, the girl reportedly disclosed the alleged assault by Dharpal.

Her parents then approached Gittikhadan Police, following which a case was registered against the constable and he was arrested.

Police are investigating the circumstances of the alleged assault and the accused’s interactions with the minor. Further action will be taken based on the investigation.