Navi Mumbai: In a chilling incident that has sent shockwaves through the Kharghar node, a 25-year-old garage worker has been booked for allegedly repeatedly sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl. The gravity of the crime came to light after the minor was found to be pregnant. The accused, identified as Vishal Babu, is currently at large, and a massive manhunt has been launched by the Navi Mumbai Police.

According to the First Information Report (FIR) registered at the Kharghar Police Station, the ordeal began in October 2025. The accused, who worked and resided at Jagdish Autoparts Garage in Sector 35, Kharghar, allegedly lured the minor victim to the premises under false pretenses.

It is alleged that Babu sexually assaulted the girl and threatened to kill her if she disclosed the matter to anyone. Exploiting her fear, the accused reportedly repeated the heinous act multiple times over the following months.

The crime was discovered recently when the victim’s family noticed physical changes and realized she was pregnant. Upon being questioned, the traumatized girl narrated her ordeal. The victim’s parents immediately approached the authorities on March 7, 2026, to lodge a formal complaint.

Senior Police Inspector Sanjay Joshi and Assistant Police Inspector (API) Ratna Khandelwal are leading the investigation. "A specialized team has been dispatched to track down the accused, who fled the area shortly after the complaint was filed. We are committed to ensuring swift justice for the minor," a senior official stated.
The incident has sparked outrage among local residents, who are demanding the immediate arrest and harshest possible punishment for the perpetrator to ensure the safety of minors in the locality.