Overview
- Police identified the accused as Prathamesh Desai of Lokmanya Nagar, who is in custody with Vartak Nagar police in Thane.
- Investigators allege he targeted the 15-year-old between September 2025 and February 2026, taking her to isolated locations and molesting her.
- He allegedly blackmailed the teen by threatening to tell her parents about a purported relationship, extracting a total of Rs 50,000.
- The girl disclosed the threats and payments to her parents, who then approached police, prompting the arrest.
- Desai has been booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 74, and the POCSO Act, with the investigation ongoing.