Mumbai horror: DNA test confirms father as rapist of pregnant deaf-mute woman

The victim, a 20-year-old woman who cannot hear or speak, was subjected to prolonged sexual abuse that came to light only after doctors discovered she was five months pregnant.

Mumbai Police arrested the father after forensic analysis matched his DNA with that of the foetus, concluding a months-long investigation that involved testing 17 men connected to the case.

Complaint began with silent distress

The case first surfaced in September last year when the woman expressed discomfort to her grandmother through hand gestures.

She reportedly described a strange sensation in her stomach, likening it to “insects crawling.”

Alarmed, the family admitted her to Mumbai’s Cama & Albless Hospital for medical evaluation.

Doctors soon made a harrowing discovery. Medical tests revealed that the woman was in the fifth month of pregnancy.

Given the circumstances, hospital authorities immediately alerted the police, triggering a criminal investigation.

Initial barriers in communication

Police officials said the investigation faced serious challenges in its early stages due to communication barriers.

The survivor, unable to speak or hear, was initially reluctant and emotionally withdrawn, making it difficult for officers to record her statement.

During this period, police questioned the father, who denied any sexual abuse and failed to explain how his daughter had become pregnant.

He also refused to file a formal complaint, raising further suspicion among investigators.

After sustained counselling and support, the woman eventually agreed to file an official complaint, allowing the police to proceed more decisively.

Multiple accused, one conclusive match

Based on the survivor’s account, police arrested a second adult man and detained a 17-year-old boy, both of whom she identified as having sexually assaulted her.

Investigators also widened the probe to examine whether more individuals were involved.

As part of the investigation, police collected blood and DNA samples from 17 suspects, including family members and others who had access to the woman.

These samples were sent for forensic analysis and compared with genetic material obtained from the foetus.

DNA report exposes truth

On January 27, forensic laboratory reports delivered a chilling conclusion.

Of all the samples tested, only one showed a positive DNA match with the foetus — the woman’s father.

Police officials said the results conclusively established paternity and confirmed that the father had raped his daughter.

He was immediately arrested following the report.

According to investigators, the sexual assaults occurred over a prolonged period, between March and September 21 of last year.

Case registered after pregnancy discovery

The formal police case was registered on September 22, a day after authorities were informed of the pregnancy.

Officers said the investigation continues to determine the precise roles of the other accused and to verify the survivor’s statements in detail.

The case has drawn attention to the extreme vulnerability of persons with disabilities and the additional risks they face within supposedly safe domestic spaces.

Police officials stressed that counselling, medical care, and legal support are being provided to the survivor.

Probe underway

While the DNA evidence has conclusively identified the father as the rapist, Mumbai Police said the probe remains active.

Investigators are examining whether other offences were committed and whether additional charges are warranted based on further evidence.