A 17-year-old girl was sexually assaulted and three women were robbed at knifepoint by two armed men on the Pune-Solapur Highway near Swami Chincholi, close to Bhigwan, early Monday morning around 4:15 am. The victims, part of two families travelling to the pilgrimage town of Pandharpur, were attacked after stopping their vehicle for a tea break.
The assailants arrived on a motorcycle, brandished sharp weapons, and used chilli powder to incapacitate the group before fleeing with gold jewellery worth approximately ₹1.5 lakh. Police have registered cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and the Arms Act. Multiple police teams are actively pursuing the suspects, who remain at large despite being traced up to Indapur.
Family Pilgrimage Turns Nightmarish on Pune-Solapur Highway
The incident unfolded when a group of seven people—including three women, two 17-year-old boys, a 17-year-old girl, and a 70-year-old driver—were travelling from Pune to Pandharpur for a religious pilgrimage. They stopped near a tea stall on the highway to rest and refresh. Two masked men on a motorcycle approached the vehicle, threatening the family with knives and other sharp weapons.
The assailants threw chilli powder into the eyes of the passengers, disorienting them, and forcibly took gold jewellery from the women. One of the attackers dragged the 17-year-old girl behind the tea stall and sexually assaulted her at knifepoint, instilling terror and trauma in the entire group. Despite the shock, the family managed to reach a nearby village and alerted the local police, who promptly arrived at the scene.
Police Launch Intensive Search and Investigation
In response to the distress call, the Bhigwan police, led by Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh Gill, have formed multiple teams to track down the suspects. Over 50 CCTV cameras along the highway and surrounding areas are being reviewed for clues. The attackers had deliberately painted their motorcycle’s number plate white to avoid identification, complicating the investigation.
“We are thoroughly examining all technical evidence, including CCTV footage and witness statements. The victim has undergone a medical examination, and we are pursuing all leads,” SP Gill stated. Additional Superintendent Ganesh Birajdar revealed that the case has been registered under multiple sections, including robbery, rape, abduction, criminal intimidation, and the Arms Act.
Police have traced the suspects’ movements as far as Indapur, but they remain at large. The authorities have appealed to the public for any information that could aid in apprehending the culprits.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This harrowing incident is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by women and children on public roads, even during routine or religious travel. The Logical Indian condemns this brutal act of violence and stands firmly with the survivors and their families. It highlights the critical need for enhanced safety measures on highways, including better lighting, increased police patrolling, and rapid response mechanisms.
Moreover, it calls for societal introspection on how gender-based violence continues to threaten the dignity and security of citizens. We urge authorities to expedite justice and implement systemic reforms to protect vulnerable groups. As a community, how can we foster a culture of vigilance, empathy, and collective responsibility to ensure that public spaces are safe for all?
