NAVI MUMBAI: Police have arrested a 39-year-old man from Navi Mumabi for the alleged sexual harassment of two teenage girls, police said on Saturday.
The accused, identified as Sandeep Sonawane, normally works as an autorickshaw driver but was operating a friend’s taxi at the time of the alleged incident, which occurred around 12.15pm on Friday, polie said.
The incident unfolded while the taxi, affiliated with an app-based transportation service, was plying on the route leading to the Bonkode area. Allegedly, Sandeep Sonawane sexually harassed two girls, aged 14 and 15, during the ride, they said.
Upon hearing the distress calls of the girls, local residents rushed to their aid and apprehended the accused, ensuring he did not escape before the authorities arrived.
The APMC police have registered a case against Sandeep Sonawane under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), specifically Section 354 (pertaining to the use of criminal force on a woman with the intention of outraging her modesty) and Section 354A (concerning sexual harassment). Additionally, charges have been filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, as confirmed by Vivek Pansare, the deputy commissioner of police for zone-I in Navi Mumbai.
(The victim’s identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme Court directives on cases related to sexual assault)
(With inputs from PTI)
The accused, identified as Sandeep Sonawane, normally works as an autorickshaw driver but was operating a friend’s taxi at the time of the alleged incident, which occurred around 12.15pm on Friday, polie said.
The incident unfolded while the taxi, affiliated with an app-based transportation service, was plying on the route leading to the Bonkode area. Allegedly, Sandeep Sonawane sexually harassed two girls, aged 14 and 15, during the ride, they said.
Upon hearing the distress calls of the girls, local residents rushed to their aid and apprehended the accused, ensuring he did not escape before the authorities arrived.
The APMC police have registered a case against Sandeep Sonawane under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), specifically Section 354 (pertaining to the use of criminal force on a woman with the intention of outraging her modesty) and Section 354A (concerning sexual harassment). Additionally, charges have been filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, as confirmed by Vivek Pansare, the deputy commissioner of police for zone-I in Navi Mumbai.
(The victim’s identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme Court directives on cases related to sexual assault)
(With inputs from PTI)
