Mumbai, Nov 27 (NationPress) A disturbing case has emerged from the Ghatkopar region of Mumbai, where a minor girl, currently in the tenth grade, has approached the police with allegations against her own mother and a male neighbor, accusing them of coercing her into prostitution. Both individuals have been officially charged by the Mumbai Police.

In her report, the girl claimed that since April, her mother and the neighbor had forced her into prostitution to generate income.

The unfortunate victim confided in her schoolteacher, revealing, "Mom and uncle compel me to engage in prostitution."

A police official involved in the investigation noted that the girl chose to escape her exploitation after the situation became intolerable.

Feeling desperate, she spoke to a friend about her plight and, with their support, approached her class teacher to recount her traumatic experience.

The minor also recounted a previous attempt to flee the abuse by staying at her friend’s house for three days. However, upon returning home, she faced physical punishment and was promptly coerced back into the same horrific situation by the accused.

The teacher was profoundly disturbed by the gravity of the girl's story and immediately alerted the school authorities to this serious matter. Recognizing the urgency, the school administration quickly reached out to the local police.

Following the complaint, her mother and the man were charged under pertinent Sections of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including 64 (rape) and 98 (selling child for the purpose of prostitution), alongside Sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. An extensive investigation is currently underway.

Given the severe nature of the accusations and the victim's age, the police have promptly initiated a comprehensive investigation into the situation.

Although the legal landscape surrounding prostitution in India is intricate, being neither entirely illegal nor fully legalized, related activities such as sexual exploitation, enticing a minor, operating brothels, and trafficking are subject to legal penalties.

These offenses fall under Section 2(f) of the Immoral Traffic Prevention Act, 1956, and may incur punishments under Sections 366A, 366B, and 370A of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. Those who coerce or exploit vulnerable individuals, including minors, into this line of work face significant legal repercussions.