Phone Control, Threat, Video Calls: How Thane Youth Kept Nagpur Girl Under 'Digital Arrest' for 3 Months Before S*x Assault
A 19-year-old youth from Thane has been arrested by Nagpur Police for allegedly keeping a 16-year-old girl under continuous digital control for nearly three months before holding her captive and subjecting her to severe physical and s*xual assault. The minor was rescued on August 3 from a rented flat in Nagpur’s Dighori area.
A 19-year-old man from Thane has been arrested after allegedly keeping a 16-year-old girl from Nagpur under prolonged psychological and digital control before s*xually assaulting and seriously injuring her, police said. According to investigators, the teenager was allegedly subjected to threats, continuous video calls and restrictions on her mobile phone use for nearly three months. The girl was rescued on August 3 from a rented flat in Nagpur’s Dighori area after her parents reported her missing. The accused is currently in jail in Nagpur, TOI reported.
Girl Allegedly Controlled Through ‘Digital Arrest’
Police said the accused met the girl through Instagram and allegedly began controlling her through threats and constant communication. Investigators said he allegedly threatened to circulate objectionable photographs of the girl on social media if she did not follow his instructions. On one occasion, he allegedly instructed her to go to the terrace of her home and remain on a video call. He also allegedly told her to sleep under her bed. Mumbai Cybercrime: Ex Bank Officer Digitally Arrested for 54 Days on Threat of Implication in Delhi Bomb Blast; INR 40 Lakh Extorted in Bhandup.
Police described the method as a form of “digital arrest”, in which the accused allegedly used technology, surveillance and threats to restrict the victim’s movements and maintain control over her.
Allegations of Rape and Physical Assault
After allegedly keeping the girl under his control, the accused took her to a rented flat in Nagpur, where police said she was held hostage. Investigators allege that the girl was repeatedly raped and subjected to severe physical assault. Police said she suffered around 20 knife wounds and was allegedly beaten with a leather belt. The allegations are part of an ongoing criminal investigation, and the accused remains in custody. Mumbai Mahanagar Gas Cyber Scam: 2 Arrested for Duping Resident of INR 4.98 Lakh Over Fake PNG Disconnection Threat.
Police Trace Items Used in Assault
As part of the investigation, police traced a strap and a belt allegedly used during the assault to two pet shops in Nagpur. Officers questioned the shop owners and staff as they investigated how the items were obtained.
The investigation is continuing, with police examining the circumstances surrounding the girl's disappearance, her period of alleged confinement and the assault.
Parents’ Complaint Led to Rescue
The girl was located after her parents approached police with a missing-person complaint. Officers subsequently traced her to the rented accommodation in Dighori, where she was rescued on August 3. The case has also drawn attention to the risks of online grooming and coercive control involving minors, particularly when threats involving private photographs are used to isolate victims and prevent them from seeking help.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 12, 2026 09:59 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
