Palghar: A 45-year-old gardening contractor from Wada taluka was arrested today for allegedly raping a teenage girl working as a labourer, police said.
Dharam Chavan, who hails from Jambhulpada in the tribal-dominated district, allegedly subjected the girl to sexual assault at various locations during October 2013 and December 2014, said sub-inspector AV Salunke of Wada police station.
Chavan undertakes gardening and landscaping for hotels and the girl was working as a labourer with him, he said.
Salunke said Chavan allegedly raped her at a lodge in Ganeshpuri and at a farm house in Lonavala and threatened her with dire consequences if she disclosed the matter.
The victim is pregnant, he said.
Chavan has been booked under sections 376 (rape) and 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation) of IPC, police said.
