Thane man booked for molesting of 18-month-old girl; father also booked for intimidation

THANE: A 21-year-old man has been booked for allegedly molesting his cousin brother's 18-month-old daughter in Thane district, Maharashtra, according to authorities.
The incident occurred on May 8 in the Bhiwandi area, an official from Narpoli police station said on Monday.
The child's mother reported the incident to her husband, who then threatened her along with the accused.Police have also charged the child's father for the threats against his wife.
Although the incident happened in May, the complaint was filed on Sunday. The official did not mention any reason for the delay in reporting.
The official stated, "The man allegedly stripped the child and molested her. When the child's mother complained to her husband, he and the accused threatened her with dire consequences."
Following the woman's complaint, a case has been registered against the two men under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 354 (assault or criminal force on a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 34 (common intention), along with provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.