Incident Unfolds Near Sukhsagarnagar

A 30-year-old man was taken into custody by the Bharati Vidyapeeth police following an alleged incident of molestation and an attempted kidnapping in Pune's Katraj area. The accused, identified as Jitu Kishorilal Saroj—a native of Uttar Pradesh's Pratapgarh district residing in the Vidyanagar area along Katraj-Kondhwa Road—was apprehended by local residents after the victim raised an alarm.

According to police officials, the incident occurred on October 24 at approximately 6:30 p.m. in front of Samarth Dairy near Sukhsagarnagar. The 18-year-old victim was waiting for her friend, Mansi Gaikwad, when Saroj allegedly approached her.

Public Intervention and Police Action

Investigators stated that the accused touched the victim inappropriately and attempted to lift her off the ground, causing her to fall. Her cries for help drew immediate attention. The victim's friend, Mansi Gaikwad, arrived shortly after and attempted to push the assailant away.

Mansi's aunt, Sheetal Gaikwad, and another local resident, Vishnu More, also rushed to the scene to assist. During the ensuing confrontation, the accused allegedly threw and damaged More's mobile phone.

Alerted by the commotion, a crowd gathered at the spot, apprehended Saroj, and thrashed him before police arrived at the scene to take him into custody. Senior Police Inspector Sudarshan Gaikwad of the Bharati Vidyapeeth police station confirmed the details and stated that the accused was produced before a court.

Legal Proceedings and Prior History

Authorities have registered a case against Saroj under Sections 76 and 324(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertain to assault or criminal force against a woman with intent to disrobe her, and mischief causing property damage, respectively.

Police are also verifying information provided by the accused's brother, suggesting a history of similar misconduct toward women in Uttar Pradesh. Further investigations into the incident are currently underway.