The man, a manager at a diamond factory in Gujarat, western India, was found dead on Oct. 2 in a Mumbai hotel room. Investigations revealed that he collapsed and died while allegedly assaulting a 14-year-old girl, whom he had brought to Mumbai under the pretense of a work-related trip.
Although they were registered as father and daughter in the hotel records, the girl was, in fact, an employee at his factory, sources said. Her family, unaware of the circumstances, had permitted her to travel with him.
The man had provided financial support to the victim and her family. Under pressure from her mother, the victim agreed to work at the man’s factory. She did so in place of her ailing father, her mother who was caring for him, and her unemployed brother.
However, the man soon exploited this situation, threatening to cut off financial support if the girl did not comply, and subjected her to sexual exploitation. He allegedly told her that if she revealed what had happened, her family would have to repay all the money he had given them.
Her mother filed a complaint upon learning of the incident, stating that he had deceived the family. Despite the case being registered as a violation under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act, the man's death means it is likely to be closed without prosecution.
