Deaf and Mute Woman Breaks 16-Year Silence, Exposes Serial Sexual Abuse and Blackmail in Mumbai
Deaf and Mute Woman Breaks 16-Year Silence, Exposes Serial Sexual Abuse and Blackmail in Mumbai
Years of silence ended when a deaf and mute woman from Mumbai courageously came forward to reveal a horrifying ordeal of sexual assault and blackmail, exposing a serial predator who allegedly targeted multiple women from the community. Her revelation came after another woman, reportedly abused by the same man, attempted suicide, prompting her to speak out.
The survivor, a resident of the city’s western suburbs, described the 2009 assault using sign language during a video call with friends and colleagues in a WhatsApp group. She said Mahesh Pawar had drugged and raped her when she was a minor, beginning a cycle of trauma she endured in silence for over a decade.
Supported by her husband, Thane Deaf Association president Vaibhav Ghaisis, activist Mohammed Farhan Khan, sign language interpreter Madhu Keni, and a retired officer from the Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities, she approached the police. Her statement was recorded in-camera at the Kurar police station, with Keni interpreting, and Pawar was arrested from Virar in Palghar district on December 13.
The survivor recounted that a female friend had invited her to explore the city in July 2009 and took her to Pawar’s home in Vakola, Santacruz. Pawar allegedly offered her samosas and a drink to celebrate the friend’s birthday, which she was forced to consume. Left alone with him, she claims Pawar overpowered and raped her, later blackmailing her with a recorded video to ensure her silence.
The trauma persisted for years, and witnessing another woman from her community attempt suicide finally motivated her to come forward.
Police investigations suggest Pawar targeted several speech- and hearing-impaired women, recording obscene videos and using them for blackmail. He allegedly coerced women into nude video calls, threatening them with exposure to extort money, gold, and mobile phones.
Evidence collected so far points to abuse of seven women, though officials warn the number could exceed 24. Pawar is in judicial custody, and no additional complaints have yet been formally lodged.
According to Keni, survivors are now eager to report the abuse formally. She also noted that Pawar had extorted money from one victim and failed to return it, even during a medical emergency.
