Pune: Police in Pune have booked a 25 year old man for allegedly raping a minor girl, impregnating her, and then forging her birth certificate to falsely show her as an adult while seeking medical care at a government hospital. The case has raised serious concerns about child safety, document fraud, and misuse of hospital systems.
According to the police, the accused deliberately misrepresented the girl’s age to hide the fact that she was a minor and to avoid legal consequences under child protection laws. The matter came to light after discrepancies were noticed in the documents submitted at the hospital.
Investigators said the accused produced a forged birth certificate that showed the girl as being above 18 years of age. This document was allegedly used during hospital admission procedures when the pregnancy was identified.
Police believe the falsification was done to ensure that the girl was treated as an adult patient and to prevent authorities from flagging the case as one involving a minor. Once officials verified the girl’s actual age, the forgery came under scrutiny, prompting immediate police action.
Based on the findings, Pune police registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for rape and forgery, along with stringent provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
Under Indian law, any sexual relationship with a person below 18 years of age is a criminal offence, regardless of consent. Forging official documents such as a birth certificate further adds to the gravity of the crime and carries separate punishment.
Police officials confirmed that the pregnancy of a minor automatically triggers mandatory reporting and legal intervention.
The investigation is now focusing not only on the accused but also on how the forged document was prepared and whether any other individuals were involved in facilitating or using the false certificate.
Authorities are examining hospital records and document submission processes to determine if there were lapses or deliberate negligence. Police have stated that anyone found complicit will face legal action.
Child welfare officials have been informed, and steps are being taken to ensure the minor receives appropriate medical care, psychological support, and legal protection. The police have stressed that the identity of the victim will remain confidential, in keeping with the law.
Pune police have reiterated the importance of strict verification of documents, especially in cases involving young patients.
(Rh/ARC)