‘Suffered in Silence’: Deaf and Mute Mumbai Woman Files Sexual Assault Complaint After 16 Years; Accused Arrested

Mumbai | Undercover Editor News Channel

In a deeply disturbing case that highlights the long road to justice faced by survivors with disabilities, a deaf and mute woman from Mumbai has finally filed a police complaint 16 years after she was allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted. The accused has now been arrested by the police.

The incident dates back to 2009, when the survivor was a minor. According to the police, the woman had attended a friend’s birthday party, where the accused first noticed her. Later that evening, one of her acquaintances took her to the accused’s residence.

Investigators say the accused offered the girl a beverage laced with intoxicants. After she lost consciousness, he allegedly sexually assaulted her. When the survivor regained consciousness, she realised she was bleeding and had been violated.

Lack of Support Delayed Justice

The survivor reportedly informed her family abou

t the assault at the time. However, due to a lack of adequate support, social pressure, and communication barriers arising from her disability, no formal police complaint was filed then.

For years, she endured the trauma in silence. It was only recently, after receiving emotional and practical support from her husband, that she gathered the courage to approach the police and seek justice.

Accused Arrested, Shocking Digital Evidence Found

Following the complaint, Kurar Police arrested the accused and later transferred the case to Vakola Police, as the crime had occurred within their jurisdiction.

During the investigation, police seized the accused’s mobile phone. A preliminary examination revealed several inappropriate videos of different women. Investigators suspect that the accused may have secretly recorded these women during video calls without their consent and later used the footage to blackmail them.

“This suggests a pattern of predatory behaviour,” a police officer said, adding that efforts are underway to identify and contact other potential victims.

Investigation Ongoing

Police have registered the case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, considering the survivor was a minor at the time of the incident.

Further investigation is ongoing, and authorities are appealing to other possible victims to come forward and record their statements.

A Stark Reminder

The case underscores the additional vulnerabilities faced by women with disabilities and the systemic barriers that often prevent them from accessing justice. Activists say it also highlights the urgent need for better support systems, accessible reporting mechanisms, and greater sensitivity within families and institutions.

While justice may have come late, the survivor’s decision to speak up has reopened the door to accountability — not just for her, but potentially for others who may have suffered at the hands of the same accused.