{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Indore Police Arrest Hitesh Pradhan Under POCSO Act Following Rape Allegation",
  "summary": "Indore Police have arrested Hitesh Pradhan under rape charges and the POCSO Act following a complaint by a 16-year-old girl. The accused, who has a history of prior criminal cases including blackmailing and arms law violations, has been remanded to judicial custody.",
  "content": "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.\n\nEscalation of Charges Following Statement Before Magistrate\nThe 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.\n\nPrior Criminal Record and Crime Branch Investigation\nAccording 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.\n\nFamilial Background and Ongoing Evidence Collection\nHitesh 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.\n\nWhat this means for you\n• Across India: Judicial statements made before a magistrate in cases involving minors mandate immediate escalation of charges under the stringent POCSO Act.\n• In Indore: Strict action by law enforcement against repeat offenders and illegal arms networks aims to improve public safety and urban law enforcement.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. Why was Hitesh Pradhan arrested by the police?\nHitesh Pradhan was arrested by the police under rape charges and the POCSO Act following allegations made by a 16-year-old girl.\n\n2. What was the initial complaint filed by the victim?\nThe victim initially filed a complaint alleging molestation, which was later escalated to rape after her judicial statement.\n\n3. Under which provision was the victim's statement recorded before the magistrate?\nThe victim's statement was recorded before the magistrate under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).\n\n4. What prior criminal cases are registered against Hitesh Pradhan?\nHitesh Pradhan faces prior cases including blackmailing at Lasudia police station and an Arms Act case at MIG police station.\n\n5. Who is Hitesh Pradhan's father and what is his criminal background?\nHis father is Pavitra Pradhan, who was an accused in the famous Vishnu Ustad murder case.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/madhya-pradesh/indaura-men-dushkarma-aura-pokso-mamale-men-hitesh-pradhan-giraphtara-adalata-ne-bheja-jela-13544",
  "category": "Madhya Pradesh",
  "publishedAt": "2026-08-04",
  "tags": [
    "Indore",
    "POCSO Act",
    "Hitesh Pradhan",
    "Vishnu Ustad",
    "Madhya Pradesh Police",
    "Crime News"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}