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In a shocking incident in Mumbai's Worli area, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) has been arrested for allegedly engaging in inappropriate behavior with a 9-year-old girl in a public park. This incident has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the police force.

The accused, identified as Jitendra Dadarav Navneet (56), was taken into custody by Worli police on the morning of April 24. Following his arrest, a court placed him in judicial custody. The police have filed a case against him under the POCSO Act and are currently conducting further investigations.

According to the FIR filed by Worli police, the incident occurred around 7:00 PM on April 23. The victim was playing at Singh Garden when the accused approached her, performed obscene acts, and instructed her to touch his private parts. Traumatized, the girl ran home and immediately informed her mother, who works as a domestic helper. Without delay, she contacted the police, leading to a swift investigation and the arrest of the officer within hours.

Jitendra Navneet hails from Nagpur and was stationed at the office of the Director General of Police in Mumbai until November 2025. He was associated with the police communication and IT department and lived alone at the Worli police camp. This case raises significant questions regarding accountability, discipline, and oversight of officers in sensitive positions within the police department.

The investigation took a new turn when another minor boy came forward, claiming that the accused had also made inappropriate advances towards him about a week prior. The police have included this allegation in their ongoing investigation and have initiated a separate inquiry to verify the claims. Charges have been filed against the accused under sections 74 and 79 of the Indian Penal Code, as well as section 12 of the POCSO Act, which pertain to the sexual assault and exploitation of minors.

A senior police official stated that the allegations are extremely serious, prompting immediate action for the arrest and a thorough investigation in accordance with legal protocols. However, a significant challenge has arisen: there were no CCTV cameras installed at Singh Garden, where the incident took place, resulting in a lack of direct visual evidence. Currently, efforts are underway to strengthen the case based on the children's statements, circumstantial evidence, and other documentary records. The police have formally recorded the statements of both minors and are awaiting medical reports, which will guide the next steps in the investigation.