Man held for raping four-year-old girl in Thane

A four-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a 24-year-old man in Shri Nagar area of city, triggering protests by political parties today.
The accused, identified as Shivaji Dhadve, was arrested on night of the incident itself on October 10.
According to police, Dhadve picked up the minor, who was at her home along with her small brother, on Monday evening and raped her at mezzanine floor of his house. The girls' mother had locked the door of her house from outside, leaving her daughter in care of her son, also a minor.
Meanwhile, Sena has dismissed reports that the accused has any link with the saffron party.

In a joint statement issued here, Thane Guardian Minister Eknath Shinde and Yuva Sena secretary Purvesh Sarnaik stated that Dhadve has nothing to do with either Sena or Yuva Sena.
The clarification came against the backdrop of reports in local media that the accused was an office-bearer of Yuva Sena, headed by Aditya Thackeray.
The incident has been condemned by Maharashtra Women Commission chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar who demanded that the case be tried in a fast-track court.