Mumbai Police have arrested a man for allegedly raping his 20-year-old mentally-challenged daughter after DNA tests confirmed his involvement.
The case surfaced in October 2025 when doctors at a city-based hospital informed police that the woman, who is also deaf and mute, brought in with complaints of abdominal pain, was five months pregnant.
Given her communication difficulties, investigators said it was initially challenging to understand what had happened or identify those responsible.
During the probe, police suspected she had been sexually assaulted multiple times. DNA samples were collected from around 16 people, including relatives and others in her vicinity, as part of a wider investigation.
The woman later underwent an abortion, and foetal samples were sent for forensic analysis.
On January 27, forensic experts reported a DNA match with her father (48), following which he was arrested this week, police said.
Officers revealed that two other individuals — a 16-year-old boy and a 32-year-old man — had earlier been arrested after the woman identified them with the help of visual aids.
A chargesheet has already been filed against them. However, investigators said the latest forensic findings established the father’s alleged involvement as well.
According to police, the woman did not initially name her father out of fear.
During counselling sessions conducted with the help of a child rights and disability support organisation, she disclosed that he had also assaulted her, officers said.
Investigators believe the abuse took place at home and in isolated locations when she was alone. Police said they are examining whether others may have taken advantage of her vulnerability.
A case has been registered.
