A shocking case of alleged sexual exploitation has emerged from Gujarat’s Morbi, where a landlord and another accused have been arrested after a woman and her 13-year-old daughter allegedly faced repeated sexual assault linked to unpaid house rent of just Rs 2,000.
According to police officials, the complaint was registered at Morbi City A Division Police Station on May 1 by the victims’ mother and grandmother under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the POCSO Act due to the involvement of a minor girl.
Investigators said the family had moved to Morbi around six months ago in search of work and had rented a small house at a monthly rent of Rs 2,000. However, after the family reportedly suffered financial losses and failed to pay rent regularly, the situation allegedly turned into prolonged abuse and exploitation.
Police sources stated to TOI that the landlord allegedly took advantage of the family’s vulnerable condition and repeatedly assaulted both the woman and her minor daughter. The girl was reportedly around 13 years and seven months old at the time of the alleged incidents.
Officials said the alleged assaults took place at multiple locations, including the rented house, the landlord’s residence and another location in Tankara.
The complaint has also accused one of the landlord’s relatives of sexually assaulting the woman. Police believe several associates and family members may have helped the accused or attempted to shield them after the allegations surfaced.
Authorities confirmed that some suspects named in the complaint are currently absconding, and search operations are underway to trace them.
Senior police officials stated that medical examinations and scientific evidence collection procedures have already been completed as part of the investigation.
The 55-year-old landlord was produced before a local court and initially sent for custodial interrogation before being remanded to judicial custody.
Police have invoked stringent provisions under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act due to the involvement of the minor victim. The investigation remains ongoing.
