Pune: Class IX Girl Allegedly Molested in Shared Auto; Police Release Suspect Sketch, Hunt for Accused Continues
Pune: Class IX Girl Allegedly Molested in Shared Auto; Police Release Suspect Sketch, Hunt for Accused Continues
Pune, June 15: A 14-year-old schoolgirl was allegedly molested by two unidentified men while travelling in a shared autorickshaw in Pune’s Keshavnagar area, in an incident that has raised serious concerns about the safety of minors using public transport.
According to police, the Class IX student was returning home from her tuition classes on the evening of May 27. She boarded a shared autorickshaw from Lonkar Vasti at around 8.30 pm.
Investigators said that within minutes of the journey beginning, two men boarded the autorickshaw. The accused allegedly began touching the minor inappropriately inside the moving vehicle. Police said the men also threatened the girl and warned her not to speak about the incident.
Frightened and traumatised by the ordeal, the teenager initially remained silent but later gathered the courage to tell her parents about what had happened. The family then approached Mundhwa Police Station and lodged a complaint.
Based on the complaint, police have registered a case against two unidentified persons under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
During the investigation, the victim provided a description of one of the suspects. Using this information, police have prepared and released a sketch of the accused in the hope that members of the public may help identify him.
Police are currently examining CCTV footage from the area and tracing the route taken by the autorickshaw. Investigators are also trying to identify the vehicle and its driver, who may hold important clues in the case.
“We are scanning CCTV footage and making efforts to identify the autorickshaw and its driver. Based on the victim’s description, a sketch of one accused has been prepared. We appeal to citizens to come forward with any information that could help us trace the suspects,” a police officer said.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns over the safety of children travelling alone, particularly in shared transport services during evening hours.
Police Appeal
Anyone who recognises the suspect or has information related to the autorickshaw involved in the incident is requested to contact Mundhwa Police Station on 020-29807118.
