NAGPUR, Aug. 7 -- The alleged abduction, sexual assault and torture of a 16-year old girl in Nagpur by a 20-year-old Thane resident took a dramatic turn on Thursday, with the accused, Nirmay Madhav Pakhare, being rushed to the Government Medical College and Hospital after complaining of severe chest pain and multiple injuries. Pakhare's lawyer, advocate Prakash Jaiswal, claimed his client suffered injuries to his eyes, chest and other parts of his body due to assault in police custody. "The seriousness of his condition can be gauged from the fact that he has been admitted to the ICU. He somehow survived and we are worried about his health," Jaiswal told HT. But the police refuted allegations of custodial torture, claiming they were a ploy to derail the investigation and mount a false defence. They also claimed that the accused had refused to cooperate with the investigation while demanding special facilities in police custody. Senior inspector Anamika Mirzapure, the investigating officer, said Pakhare had shown "no signs of remorse" despite the gravity of the allegations. Shortly after being admitted to the hospital on Thursday, a local court remanded Pakhare to 14 days in judicial custody, ending his two-day police custody. As reported by HT on Thursday, 20-year-old BBA student Nirmay Pakhare was arrested on Tuesday by the Nagpur police for allegedly kidnapping, sexually assaulting and repeatedly knifing the 16-year-old girl. At the Government Medical College and Hospital where the survivor was treated, doctors documented nearly 20 injuries, including deep knife wounds on both wrists, the neck, and genital area, indicating prolonged physical and sexual assault. Speaking with HT, investigators said that during his two-day police custody, Pakhare refused to disclose the password to his mobile phone, hampering efforts to retrieve crucial digital evidence including chats, photos and social media posts which could strengthen the prosecution's case. "However, we managed to recover the survivor's mobile phone and access it using her password. Cyber experts are now examining her chats and activities on social media platforms," a police officer said, requesting anonymity. Mirzapure, the investigating officer, alleged that instead of cooperating with investigators, Pakhare remained preoccupied with seeking improved facilities during his two-day custody. "He complained about the lock-up, toilet and bedding, demanded premium meals and mosquito-free arrangements, and repeatedly engaged in arguments instead of answering questions," she said. "We provided every facility mandated under the law. However, demands for luxury food, soft bedding or special treatment cannot be entertained." Appearing before the local Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act court on Thursday, Jaiswal argued that the case did not amount to kidnapping or rape, as the minor girl had invited Pakhare to Nagpur on Friendship Day (August 2) and threatened to end her life if he did not meet her. "They were in a relationship. The girl was unwilling to return home because she was allegedly subjected to constant harassment and physical abuse by her father," Jaiswal contended. Pakhare's maternal uncle, Dr Varada Hiremath, who travelled to Nagpur to meet his nephew, echoed the defence's stand. "The girl was staying with the accused voluntarily," he said. "When I went to meet him in the hospital, I was pushed back by the officers posted there." However, investigators claimed that Pakhare had attempted to harm himself while in custody. Some admitted privately that his behaviour appeared abnormal. "We are planning to seek the assistance of psychologists and psychiatrists to counsel and evaluate the accused," Mirzapure said. Dr Hiremath, however, insisted that his nephew was mentally sound and academically bright....