22-year-old arrested for repeated molestation of 14-year-old cousin

Rajkot: Rajkot taluka police have arrested a 22-year-old man for allegedly repeatedly molesting and intimidating his 14-year-old cousin. The accused, a native of Dhoraji, had been living with the victim's family while working as a labourer at a local steel factory.The matter came to light on Saturday when the victim's 42-year-old mother filed a complaint. According to the police, the accused harboured a one-sided infatuation with the minor, who has just started Class 10. The accused allegedly subjected the minor to inappropriate physical contact and threatened to pour kerosene on her and set her ablaze if she disclosed the incidents.The accused also showed obsessive behaviour, including tattooing the victim's name with his own. He allegedly misused social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp by posting her photos and status updates.Investigating officer Praveen Aal said the accused was apprehended within hours of the complaint.The accused has been booked under Sections 75(2), 78(2) and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Sections 8 and 10 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act.Police have seized the accused's mobile phone for forensic examination of his social media accounts. Statements of the victim, her family and neighbours are being recorded as part of the investigation.BoxWoman alleges harassment on ST busRajkot: A 26-year-old woman from Ahmedabad's Jashodanagar area has filed a complaint at Jetpur City police station against a Rajkot resident, alleging harassment on a state transport bus.According to the complaint, the incident occurred on Saturday night when she was returning to Ahmedabad from Junagadh on a Junagadh–Anand route bus after attending an event with her mother.The accused, who boarded the bus midway around 9.15pm, allegedly made physical advances towards her as the bus approached Rajkot. When she resisted and informed the conductor, he allegedly shifted to the seat in front of her and continued with obscene gestures and abusive language despite the conductor's intervention.The conductor then dialled 112, following which a police team intercepted the bus on Junagadh Road and detained the accused.A case has been registered under Sections 75(2) and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.