A 40-year-old man is absconding after allegedly raping his 35-year-old domestic help on two consecutive days in Goregaon’s Bangur Nagar area, police reported on Sunday. The assaults occurred within the past two weeks while the accused’s family was away, exploiting the victim’s isolation.

The woman’s family lodged a complaint at Bangur Nagar Police Station on Saturday after she revealed the ordeal, prompted by their inquiries about her sudden decision to quit her part-time job and stay home. Following the complaint, she underwent a medical examination. Police have charged the suspect under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for rape and criminal intimidation, noting that he threatened her with physical harm if she spoke out.

According to officials, the victim was too terrified to report the first assault, which allowed the accused to assault her again the next day. She mustered the courage to stop working after the second incident, and only confided in her family days later. The police have since launched a manhunt for the accused.

This case adds to Mumbai’s rising crime statistics against women and children. Official data shows a 12% increase in such incidents in 2024 compared to 2023. Rape cases in the city rose to 1,051 in 2024 from 973 the previous year, while molestation cases climbed to 2,397 from 2,055. Child sexual abuse cases also surged by 21%, reaching 1,341 in 2024 from 1,108 in 2023, underscoring a growing challenge for the financial capital.