Airoli man arrested for allegedly molesting multiple women while riding scooter

Accused Krishna Mahendra Kanojia, 21, (kneeling) in Rabale police custody. Pic/By Special Arrangement

The Rabale police have arrested a 21-year-old man accused of molesting multiple women in Airoli after a swift investigation involving CCTV footage and technical surveillance.

The accused has been identified as Krishna Mahendra Kanojia, 21, a resident of Badribhaiya Chawl in Ganpatipada, Kalwa East. Kanojia is accused of molesting women walking on the road while riding his scooter.

Police suspect he may have targeted more women in similar incidents across the area. Kanojia has been booked in two separate offences under Sections 74 and 78 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) related to outraging the modesty of women, said police.

The incident

The arrest comes following a complaint filed by a 22-year-old woman from Airoli. According to the woman, the incident took place on Tuesday (May 26) around 4.30 pm near the rear gate of Celebration Building in Sector 6 when she was on her way to visit a friend. According to the complainant, Kanojia began following her on a white ‘Suzuki Burgman' scooter. He then approached her and grabbed and pressed her from the back before fleeing. Shocked, the woman approached Rabale police station and lodged a complaint.

Technical help

Taking serious note of the offence, a team from the Crime Detection Unit launched an immediate probe under the guidance of Senior Police Inspector Balakrishna Sawant, Police Inspector (Crime) Sachin Gawli, and Police Inspector Shyam Bansode. During the investigation, police examined CCTV footage from the area and analysed technical evidence. After identifying the scooter and tracking his movements, the police team detained Kanojia and formally placed him under arrest.

Accused confesses

Officials said that during interrogation, Kanojia allegedly confessed to being involved in similar offences apart from the two cases already registered against him. Police are currently verifying whether he may have targeted more women in Navi Mumbai and nearby areas.

May 26
Day the incident occurred in Airoli