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20-km chase, rods and repeated attacks: Nashik family’s outing ends in violence; nine held

Statesman News Service

Nine people have been taken into custody after a family alleged it was chased and repeatedly attacked following an incident of alleged sexual harassment near Bhavli Dam in Nashik. | X


A family outing to Bhavli Dam in Maharashtra’s Nashik district allegedly turned into a prolonged ordeal after a woman who confronted two men over alleged sexual harassment said her family was chased for nearly 20 kilometres and attacked multiple times on the road. Police have so far taken nine people into custody in connection with the case.

Investigators said the probe has widened beyond those originally named in the First Information Report (FIR). Police are now examining the alleged role of others who may have assisted the accused or provided them shelter.

Nashik police widen probe, nine taken into custody

Nashik (Rural) Superintendent of Police Dhondopant Swami said the investigation was expanded after police examined video footage and carried out a technical analysis.

“After an FIR was registered, we conducted a thorough analysis, including video review and technical investigation, and have so far identified nine accused individuals. While the original FIR named six or seven suspects, we have expanded the scope to include those who provided shelter or acted as associates. We have now taken 9 accused persons into custody. Further legal proceedings are currently underway,” he told reporters.

Woman says confrontation led to chase and repeated attacks

According to the complainant, her family of eight had gone to Bhavli Dam on July 12 when two men allegedly passed remarks and harassed her. She said she confronted them, leading to an argument.

She told ANI that her husband and brother-in-law later joined her and also confronted the men, who then left the spot. Soon afterwards, she alleged, eight to ten people from the same village arrived and picked a fight with the family.

“Our family of eight people had visited Bhavli Dam on 12th July. As I was there, two men aged 20-25 made comments at me and harassed me. So, I scolded them, and it turned into an argument. Later, when my husband and brother-in-law arrived at the scene, they confronted them. Soon after those two men left the spot. Later, eight to ten people from their village came and started to argue with us. They started abusing us, and it turned into a physical altercation. Soon after, we left the spot for Nashik. As we were on our way to Nashik, a car suddenly came and stopped before us, and men carrying rods in cars followed us. They were hitting us wherever our vehicle stopped. They followed us for at least 25-30 kms. We drove straight to Nashik and registered an FIR,” she said.

Family says vehicle intercepted several times

The woman’s husband alleged that the attackers intercepted their vehicle repeatedly as the family tried to reach Nashik.

“Just as we were passing the toll plaza, a car came, and the people inside it started to attack us. We broke the toll plaza barricade and moved on to a narrow road. There again we were attacked. We sought help from the locals as we passed through different areas. We were attacked about 5-6 times. We drove straight to a police station in Nashik. I urge that MCOCA should be invoked against these attackers,” he told ANI.

BJP MLA says arrests made within 24 hours

BJP MLA Devyani Pharande said the accused were arrested within 24 hours and credited the swift action to directions issued by the Maharashtra Chief Minister.

“Following the attack on tourists by local goons, the Nashik Rural SP, acting under the CM’s orders, ensured the perpetrators were jailed within 24 hours. The Nashik Rural Police will deal sternly with anyone who harms tourists…the Nashik Rural SP is taking measures to ensure it does not happen again,” she said.

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