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The Nagpur Police on Thursday said that the number of victims is expected to rise after a 47-year-old psychologist-cum-career counsellor was arrested for allegedly sexually exploiting at least 50 minor girls and women. The man allegedly used to trap girls under the pretence of providing counselling.
The allegations came to light when one of his ex-students approached the police. As per allegations, he used to abuse victims during camps and trips he organized, as well as taking explicit photos for potential blackmail. Three cases have been registered against the accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, said Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal, claiming that the man's wife was also involved in the series of alleged misdeeds. He was arrested in November and is currently lodged in judicial custody. "His wife was also involved with him and sections will be imposed on her depending on the extent of her involvement...In the beginning, only one case was registered. Later, two more cases were registered, number of victims is expected to increase...," said Singal. The police commissioner also expressed the possibility that many victims have yet to speak up. A committee has been formed to investigate further and ensure that juvenile victims can provide statements as per law. Evidence was found at a residence where the counsellor had sheltered some children. Sharing further updates, Singal stated, "I have personally formed a committee...to explore other aspects and so that juveniles give their statements before CwC as per law." The panel comprises a senior IPS officer, an API from the Cyber Crime Unit of Nagpur Police, and members of the child welfare board and other bodies, he informed. "It took a lot of persuasion to encourage the minor girls to step forward," he added. Providing details about the career counsellor, the official said that he had been working in and around Nagpur for "many" years. The accused man "used to shelter some children in a residence from where we found some evidence", said Commissioner Singal. "Based on this, we will take our investigation forward," he added. (ANI)
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