In November 2011, the body of a four-year-old girl was found between Vidyut Bhavan and fire station at Cuffe Parade. Her head was smashed with a stone. In January 2012, a three-year-old girl from the same neighbourhood, was found in a similar state at the same spot.
Although both bodies were severely decomposed, circumstantial evidence suggested sexual abuse. In April 2012, a three-year-old’s body was found in the sea at Marine Drive. The police have so far questioned and collected DNA samples from more than 200 suspects.
On January 3, an officer with the MRA Marg police, who was patrolling St George Hospital lane, heard sounds from behind a taxi and went to check. He allegedly saw a man molesting a six-year-old girl, and took him into custody. “The man, Abdul Rafique Sayyed (42), is a taxi driver and resident of Dana Bunder,” said senior inspector Padmakar Juikar, MRA Marg police.
On learning about his arrest, Cuffe Parade police sought his custody. “We should have his custody by Wednesday,” senior inspector Janardan Kharat of Cuffe Parade police.