By Vishakha SharmaPosted On Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 03:29:29 AM
One of the victims with her mother
Incidents of physical abuse and molestation are often heard of in the slums. But strangely enough, a similar incident of molestation took place in the well known posh society of Kunal Ikon in Pimple Saudagar where two six-year-old minors were physically abused and molested by another 13 year old minor. An FIR in the case of physical abuse has been lodged by one of the victims mothers in Sangvi Police Station.
The incident took place on February 16 in the evening at around 7 when the victims Mini Fernandes and Rumi Shah (names changed to protect identity) were playing in the society premises.
“I had sent my daughter down to play as usual but at around 7.45 pm my daughters friend Avinash (name changed) who is older than her and is in standard IV came to my house and asked me to come down.
The bruises (circled) on the victim’s mother’s hand which were caused by the parents of the alleged molester
I thought maybe Mini had hurt herself but after I went down I found my daughter was fine.” said Kavita Fernandes (name changed), Mini’s mother.
She added, “When I asked the two what had happened they complained that Ratnesh Bhagale(13), the accused had forced them to perform some acts which were obscene.
And then showed me what they had learnt from him. I was shocked and angry and therefore decided to go to Ratnesh's house to talk to his parents.
But when I went there, his parents instead of listening to me started screaming at me. Ratnesh’s mother held my hand which has left painful marks and his father Bhagale Girish Sudhir slapped me twice.”
Scared, Kavita then pleaded with them to let her go. “When Bhagale started to slap me, his wifewasn holding my hands and I could not resist.
After I begged them to release me, they let go and I ran out of the house. I then went to Sangvi police station and lodged a complaint,” said Kavita.
The kids also gave their version. “Ratnesh had asked us to rub our private parts with our hands. I am scared of Ratnesh, as he is elder to me.
He was forcing me to continue and threatened to beat me up if I refused to do so.” said Rumi. Mini added, “Ratnesh is not in our group. He even calls me a bitch.”
PI Mane, Sangvi Police Station said, “This is a non-cognisable case and so we have not arrested anyone. At best we can give them a warning.
But since small kids are involved, we have taken the statement from both the parties. And Kavita has been sent to Aundh Hospital for medical tests.”
