Tourist family attacked near Nashik after eve teasing incident; 9 arrested | Today’s news
Nine people have been arrested in connection with the alleged molestation of a tourist and attack on her family near Bhavali Dam in Maharashtra’s Nashik district, according to PTI. Police said the incident took place on Sunday, while the arrest was made on Tuesday, while efforts are being made to track down other suspects.
According to the complaint filed by the 44-year-old woman, she had gone to visit the falls near Bhavali dam with her husband, son, daughter, brother-in-law and two nephews at the time of the incident.
PTI reported that two youths allegedly whistled at the woman and started teasing her. When her family members objected to their behaviour, the accused allegedly assaulted them, tore the woman’s clothes and snatched her mobile phone.
The complaint further alleged that when the woman’s husband tried to retrieve the phone, the accused tore off his 20-gram gold chain and attacked him.
Family chased, SUV destroyed during attack
According to PTI, the family’s suffering continued even after they tried to leave the area. The accused allegedly chased their SUV in a car and on a motorcycle before overtaking the vehicle and blocking its path.
The woman claimed that about eight to nine men armed with sticks, iron bars and baseball bats emerged from the vehicles, smashed the windshield of the SUV and forced her to exit the vehicle.
She claimed that the group then harassed her while one of the accused tried to hit her on the head with a baseball bat. According to the complaint cited by PTI, the woman managed to dodge the blow. After fleeing the attackers, the family reached a nearby police station and provided a video of the incident.
Police are identifying other suspects
According to PTI, Nashik Rural Superintendent of Police Dr. DS Swami said a case was registered on charges including harassment, attempt to murder and theft. The nine arrested accused are residents of Girnare, Nandgaon Sado, Manikkhamb and nearby villages.
According to PTI, one of the arrested accused, identified as Bhoir, was earlier booked in the 2020-21 murder case. Police said the investigation is still ongoing as officials continue to identify the remaining suspects and gather additional evidence related to the attack.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of tourists visiting popular destinations around Bhavali Dam, a famous monsoon attraction in Nashik district that attracts a large number of visitors during the rainy season. According to PTI, further investigation into the case is underway.
