PTC Web Desk: A 20-year-old BBA student has been arrested in Nagpur for allegedly kidnapping, sexually assaulting and brutally assaulting a 16-year-old Class 12 student over a period of two days. The survivor was rescued by the police during a late-night operation after investigators traced the accused's location.

The police have registered a case under multiple provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, along with charges of kidnapping, rape and attempted murder.

Also Read | Delhi-NCR drenched as IMD extends red alert; Gurugram offices told to allow WFH amid heavy rain

Also Read | Online shopping alert: Zepto, BookMyShow, IndiGo among 9 big brands penalised over hidden online charges

According to the police, on Sunday, the Class 12 student left her home after informing her parents that she was meeting a friend at a shopping mall. When she failed to return and her mobile phone remained switched off, her family tried contacting her friends but found that she had not met any of them. A missing person complaint was then lodged with the police.

Investigators examined the teenager's phone records and social media activity, which led them to a 20-year-old man with whom she had reportedly been communicating through Instagram, Snapchat and online gaming platforms.

Police traced the suspect through his family

The accused was identified as Nirbhay alias Akash Madhav Pakhre, a resident of Thane who was studying BBA while living in a rented accommodation in Nagpur.

The police contacted his family and asked his mother to call him. During the conversation, the accused reportedly realised that the police had reached his family, after which he allegedly panicked.

Investigators said he then forced the girl to call her parents and assure them that she was safe. The call helped the police narrow down their search.

Shortly afterwards, the accused allegedly ordered food online. The police used the delivery to confirm the exact location before carrying out a rescue operation.

Survivor rescued during police raid

The police broke open the door of the rented accommodation and rescued the girl. According to investigators, the survivor was found injured and restrained, while the accused was allegedly holding a knife. She had multiple injuries and was immediately shifted for medical treatment.

The accused was taken into custody at the scene.

Digital evidence under investigation

During the investigation, the police alleged that the accused had taken objectionable photographs of the survivor and threatened to circulate them online. He is also accused of threatening harm to her family. Investigators have seized the knife and other materials from the rented accommodation and are examining electronic devices as part of the probe.

The police are also investigating whether any other person was involved in the crime or whether there may be additional victims.