The incident occurred in the Malwani Church locality when the woman, a resident of Charkop who works with a private company, had gone to meet a close friend to extend New Year greetings
Representational Image
A 31-year-old MBA-educated woman was brutally assaulted by an angry mob in Malwani after being mistakenly suspected of being a child kidnapper, in a shocking incident on Thursday evening.
The incident occurred in the Malwani Church locality when the woman, a resident of Charkop who works with a private company, had gone to meet a close friend to extend New Year greetings. However, she was left confused when her friend’s mobile phone was switched off and the house she was trying to locate was found locked.
Suspicion turns violent
While searching for directions, the woman inadvertently entered a nearby slum pocket, where her presence immediately aroused suspicion among locals. Within minutes, a rumour spread that she was a “child lifter”, triggering panic and outrage.
Before she could explain herself, residents allegedly caught hold of her and began assaulting her. Despite repeatedly pleading with the crowd and urging them to call the police, her cries went unheard as the mob grew larger and more aggressive.
‘They dragged me onto the road and beat me’
Recounting the horrifying ordeal to Mid-Day, the traumatised woman said she was attacked by both men and women.
“I was trying to explain everything. A woman and a man were extremely aggressive. The man called more people, and the woman punched me in the face. When I tried to leave, an auto driver held me tightly and grabbed me in a very indecent manner. They kept beating me. No one was ready to listen. They even snatched my belongings,” she said.
She further alleged that the same woman continued to behave aggressively even inside the police station and openly threatened her in front of police personnel.
Police version
Police sources said the victim, a divorced woman, had earlier visited the same friend during Christmas. On Thursday, she returned to extend New Year wishes but found the house locked and the phone unreachable. While she was looking around, a local woman allegedly misunderstood her presence, abused her, gathered people and punched her in the face, triggering the mob attack.
“She was later taken to the police station and then sent to hospital for medical treatment. Subsequently, her complaint was registered,” a police source said.
‘They almost killed my daughter’
After police rescued her and rushed her to hospital, the victim’s mother expressed anguish over the incident.
“How can anyone justify beating a person merely on suspicion? If you suspect something, listen first or call the police. Taking the law into your own hands like this can kill someone. They almost killed my daughter. She has wounds all over her body, and her life is in danger,” she told Mid-Day, urging strict action against the attackers.
The victim also alleged that one of the women involved in the assault was let off before her mother arrived at the police station, despite her critical condition.
Police appeal against rumours
Senior Inspector Shailendra Nagarkar of Malwani police confirmed that a cognisable offence has been registered against unknown persons and that investigations are underway.
“I strongly appeal to the public not to take the law into their own hands. If there is any suspicion of child abduction, immediately inform the police. Do not believe or spread rumours circulating on social media,” he said.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
