In a significant legal action, the MIG Police Station in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, has arrested Hitesh Pradhan in connection with the alleged rape of a 16-year-old girl and booked him under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Following his arrest, the accused was produced before a local court, which remanded him to judicial custody. Hitesh Pradhan is the son of Pavitra Pradhan, who was previously named as an accused in the high-profile Vishnu Ustad murder case. The police took action after recording the victim's official statements and gathering preliminary evidence in the case.
Escalation of Charges Following Statement Before Magistrate
The case originated when the 16-year-old minor approached the MIG Police Station to lodge a formal complaint against Hitesh Pradhan. Initially, the victim alleged molestation, leading the police to register a primary case under relevant sections for molestation. However, a major development occurred when the victim recorded her statement before a magistrate under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). During these judicial proceedings, the victim detailed allegations of rape against Hitesh Pradhan. Consequently, the investigating officers updated the case by invoking stringent sections pertaining to rape and adding provisions of the POCSO Act before taking the accused into custody.
Prior Criminal Record and Crime Branch Investigation
According to police records, Hitesh Pradhan possesses a history of criminal allegations and has been on the police radar for a considerable duration. A case involving blackmailing stands registered against him at the Lasudia Police Station. Additionally, the MIG Police Station had previously booked him under the Arms Act for illegal weapon possession. Owing to his involvement in unlawful activities and weapon-related offenses, the Crime Branch had also subjected him to interrogation in the past. During those previous investigations, law enforcement agencies examined the illegal weapon supply networks linked to him.
Familial Background and Ongoing Evidence Collection
Hitesh Pradhan's familial connection to the prominent Vishnu Ustad murder case, in which his father Pavitra Pradhan was an accused, has drawn extra focus to the present case. Police authorities emphasized that a comprehensive investigation is currently underway. Key procedures being carried out include analyzing the victim's statements, obtaining forensic laboratory reports, and completing medical examinations. Investigating officers continue to question Hitesh Pradhan while scrutinizing his previous criminal records and social networks. Further legal steps will be taken based on the physical and scientific evidence assembled by the authorities.
