On Friday (6th September), a 30-year-old Maulana was arrested for the rape of a minor girl. The incident took place in Beed City in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra.
As per reports, the accused was identified as Riyaz Sheikh. An Islamic scholar by occupation, Sheikh used to provide Urdu and Arabic classes to the 11-year-old victim at his home.
During the course of the past 3 months, the accused raped the minor girl 7-8 times. Sheikh would wait for his opportunity to sexually abuse the child after all the students had left the classes.
Riyaz Sheikh intimidated victim into silence
The Maulana had also threatened the victim not to speak about the atrocities perpetrated by him. The matter came to light when the girl complained of stomach pain.
After being taken to a doctor, it was revealed that the 11-year-old was being sexually abused. Thereafter, the girl’s parents filed a complaint with the police leading to the arrest of Riyaz Sheikh.
Maulana booked for child rape, sent to police custody
The Islamic scholar was booked under Sections 75 (sexual harassment), 76 (assault against woman with the intent to disrobe her), 64
(2) (F) (i) (M) (committing rape of woman in custody), 65 (2) (rape of a woman under age 12), and 351 (2) (3) for criminal intimidation of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS).
He was additionally charged with six relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Riyaz Sheikh was produced before a local court on Friday and sent to police custody.
