Iron rods hurled, car windows smashed: 9 nabbed in Nashik for molestation, chasing family for 15 kms
The woman"s official complaint states that two men whistled and hurled inappropriate comments at her.
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Police on Tuesday, July 15, arrested 9 people in Maharashtra's Nashik district after a woman tourist was molested and her family attacked when she pushed back against harassers near Bhavali Dam. As per the reports, the episode unfolded on Sunday, July 12, when the 44-year-old visitor had gone to see waterfalls near the dam, accompanied by her husband, son, daughter, brother-in-law, and two nephews.
Nashik Rural SP Dr DS Swami said the investigation widened as more evidence came to light. He explained that after the FIR was filed, a detailed review, including video analysis and technical inquiry, led to nine suspects being identified. Although the original complaint named only six or seven individuals, the probe was broadened to cover those who sheltered the accused or assisted them, resulting in nine arrests, with legal proceedings now in progress.
Swami later said that charges of molestation, attempted murder, and dacoity have been filed. He noted that all those arrested belong to Girnare, Nandgaon Sado, and Manikkhamb villages and the surrounding region, and that six to seven more suspects have been spotted in the video evidence. He added that one of the arrested men, identified as Bhoir, already had a murder case registered against him from 2020-21. Police said the investigation is continuing.
The victim's daughter, Siddhi Bhagwat, described what happened to the media. She said the family was near Bahuli Dam on Sunday when two young men began harassing her mother. Her mother scolded them, and her father slapped the two, who then fled the scene. However, some locals running a nearby stall stepped in to defend the youths, claiming they belonged to the same village. Later, as the family drove off, the same group tracked them down and smashed the windows of their car.
The woman's official complaint states that two men whistled and hurled inappropriate comments at her. When her relatives tried to step in, the group allegedly turned violent, attacking them, ripping her clothing, and grabbing her phone. She further alleged that her husband was beaten when he tried to get the phone back, and the attackers made off with his 20-gram gold chain.
Attempting to flee, the family drove away in their SUV, but the attackers gave chase, some in a car, others on a bike, for nearly 15 kilometres before cornering the vehicle. According to the complaint, eight or nine men wielding sticks, iron bars, and baseball bats surrounded the SUV, broke its windshield, and tried to drag the woman out.
#WATCH | Nine persons have been arrested in connection with the alleged molestation of a woman tourist and the subsequent attack on her family, who were allegedly chased for around 15 kilometres after she resisted sexual harassment near Bhavali Dam in Maharashtra's Nashik… pic.twitter.com/dmkwa7nYwp
— Moneycontrol (@moneycontrolcom) July 14, 2026
She also alleged she was groped during the assault and that one attacker swung a baseball bat at her head, though she managed to dodge it. Once free of their attackers, the family made their way to a police station and submitted footage of the incident.
Nashik Rural SP Dr DS Swami said the investigation widened as more evidence came to light. He explained that after the FIR was filed, a detailed review, including video analysis and technical inquiry, led to nine suspects being identified. Although the original complaint named only six or seven individuals, the probe was broadened to cover those who sheltered the accused or assisted them, resulting in nine arrests, with legal proceedings now in progress.
Swami later said that charges of molestation, attempted murder, and dacoity have been filed. He noted that all those arrested belong to Girnare, Nandgaon Sado, and Manikkhamb villages and the surrounding region, and that six to seven more suspects have been spotted in the video evidence. He added that one of the arrested men, identified as Bhoir, already had a murder case registered against him from 2020-21. Police said the investigation is continuing.