Minor girl held captive, sexually abused by Instagram friend in Nagpur; one held

In Nagpur, a 16-year-old girl was abducted and sexually assaulted by a 17-year-old youth named Nirbhay Pakhare, with whom she had befriended on Instagram. Police discovered the minor around 11 p.m. on Monday, August 3, 2026, breaking down the door to her rented room in Dighori area. The victim had gone missing on August 2, prompting her family to report her disappearance to the Hudkeshwar police station. Utilizing technical information, authorities traced her location and executed the rescue operation.

Pakhare had created a counterfeit Instagram profile last year, posing as "Akash Mehra." He befriended the girl and began communicating with her. The minor shared private photographs of herself with the accused, who subsequently threatened to disseminate the images online. Out of fear, the victim continued meeting Pakhare, who proceeded to sexually abuse her at a hotel. Later, he demanded her to return to the rented room in Dighori whenever he visited Nagpur.

The police have registered a case against Pakhare under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and kidnapping. He has been placed in police custody for two days. The investigation is ongoing, and the authorities are examining Pakhare's mobile phones and social media accounts. The girl has been admitted to a hospital for treatment.