Jogeshwari was in the news recently, all for the wrong reasons. Two unpleasant incidents rock the western suburb of Mumbai: one of a rape and other of molestation, both involving minor girls. The incidents have triggered fear among the denizens of Meghwadi area in Jogeshwari East.

A five-year-old girl was savagely raped by a psychopath. This unfortunate incident happened on the night of July 4, when the girl was abducted, taken to a lonely place in the neighborhood and raped.

Hardly a few days later to the tragedy that rocked Jogeshwari, another similar incident has robbed Mumbaikars’ sleep. On the night of July 10, another minor girl – a nine-year-old, was mightily pulled away by a mysterious molester, but he fled after the child raised alarm.

Both the happenings hit Mumbai within a short span of one week and the Meghwadi police have registered case against the unknown psychopath. The local people there, including some cops, believe that a serial child rapist is behind both incidents.

In her FIR, the minor who was raped on July 4 in Jogeshwari has stated that the accused snatched money from her and abducted her. He took her near the jungle area by the roadside, and raped her, injuring her severely on her lips and ears.

The accused, post rape, left her there, and her worried parents and neighbourhood people from the area spotted her next morning. The girl is presently recovering from the shock at KEM hospital. The police have registered a case of abduction, rape and have also charged the unknown sex-maniac under some sections of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences.

Even before the people of this hapless area could come out from the shock another similar incident marred their peace. On Thursday evening, a nine-year-old girl while coming back to her home from a religious congregation an unknown offender caught her hand and dragged her away. The girl screamed for help and the man fled from the scene.

While a senior cop informed media persons that the police have posted a sketch of the accused to every police stations as well as railway stations across the city to nab him at the earliest. However, he said that he does not believe that the case involves a serial rapist and refused to comment on the police action being taken.