Surat: Lawyer Assisting 13-Year-Old Rape Survivor Accused of Raping Her, Arrested
A lawyer in Gujarat's Surat has been arrested for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl whose family had hired him to represent her in a pending kidnapping and rape case. Police allege the accused exploited the family's financial hardship by offering the minor a job before s*xually assaulting her.
A 43-year-old practicing lawyer was arrested by the Surat police on Tuesday for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl. The victim’s family had previously engaged the attorney to assist them in pursuing a separate, pending kidnapping and rape case involving the minor. According to the police, the suspect, identified as Pranayraj Ranvir, contacted the victim’s father on July 12, 2026. Ranvir allegedly claimed he required domestic and office help at his residence in Dindoli, offering a monthly salary of INR 15,000, as reported by TOI.
Investigators stated that when the family expressed initial hesitation, Ranvir allegedly pressured them by threatening to intentionally damage the minor's ongoing court case if they did not comply. Driven by economic hardship and trust in their legal representative, the family agreed to send the girl to his house. Gujarat: Married Woman Alleges Forced S*x, Po*n Pressure and Mental Abuse by Husband, and In-Laws.
Once the minor arrived at the residence, Ranvir allegedly assaulted her and threatened further retaliation against her pending legal proceedings if she disclosed the incident.
Police Action and Legal Charges
Upon returning home, the minor informed her mother about the assault. The parents subsequently approached the authorities and lodged a formal complaint on Monday.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (J Division) A.C. Taede confirmed that the Sachin GIDC police acted immediately on the complaint and apprehended Ranvir on Tuesday. Medical examinations for both the victim and the accused were conducted at the Surat New Civil Hospital. Bhavnagar Horror: Man Rapes Sister Twice and Burns Her With Bidi in Gujarat; Arrested.
Ranvir faces multiple charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The specific filings include rape, rape of a child under 16, aggravated penetrative sexual assault, criminal intimidation, causing hurt, and employing a child to commit an offense.
Background and Prior Records
The victim’s initial case dates back to September 2025, when she was reportedly kidnapped at the age of 12. She was rescued by law enforcement in November 2025, leading to the arrest of two brothers who are currently held in Surat Central Jail awaiting trial. While a public prosecutor handles the official state prosecution, the family had hired Ranvir privately to assist with the proceedings.
Following the arrest, police records revealed that Ranvir has a history of prior criminal involvements. He had previously been booked in Ahmedabad and Surat for multiple offenses, including allegations of dowry demands, cruelty to his spouse, prohibition-related violations, and rioting. The police investigation into the current allegations remains underway.
Women and Child Helpline Numbers:
Childline India – 1098; Missing Child and Women – 1094; Women’s Helpline – 181; National Commission for Women Helpline – 112; National Commission for Women Helpline Against Violence – 7827170170; Police Women and Senior Citizen Helpline – 1091/1291.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 15, 2026 01:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).