Mumbai horror: Deaf-mute woman raped, impregnated by father; DNA confirms foetus link

The man has been arrested after DNA tests confirmed his biological link to the foetus.

The case came to light in September last year after the woman complained of stomach discomfort to her grandmother using hand gestures.

She was admitted to Cama and Albless Hospital, where doctors discovered she was nearly five months pregnant. The hospital authorities immediately informed the police.

Initially, the police had difficulty recording the woman’s statement due to communication barriers and her reluctance to speak.

Officers then questioned her father, who denied any sexual abuse, failed to explain the pregnancy, and refused to file a complaint.

After counselling, the woman agreed to lodge a formal complaint. Based on her account, police arrested a second man and detained a 17-year-old boy, both of whom she identified as having sexually assaulted her.

Investigators also collected DNA and blood samples from 17 suspects, including the father.

On January 27, forensic reports revealed a single positive DNA match, the woman’s father, establishing him as the biological parent of the foetus. He was subsequently arrested.

Police said the sexual assault occurred between March and September last year.

A case was formally registered on September 22, and investigations into the role of other suspects are ongoing.