Police warn against vigilantism and spreading unverified information on social media
The woman (in yellow) who was assaulted. Pics/By Special Arrangement
A 31-year-old MBA-educated woman was brutally assaulted by a mob in Malwani on Thursday evening after being mistakenly suspected of being a child kidnapper. The incident occurred in the Malwani Church locality when the woman, a resident of Charkop who works with a private firm, visited the area to meet a close friend and convey New Year greetings. However, she was left confused when her friend’s mobile phone was switched off and the house was found locked, leaving her unsure of the exact address.
Suspicion turns violent
While asking for directions, the woman inadvertently entered a nearby slum pocket, where her presence immediately aroused suspicion. Within minutes, a rumour spread among locals 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.
‘Dragged and beaten’
Recounting the 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, had visited the same friend during Christmas as well. On Thursday, she returned to extend New Year wishes but found both 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. This led to the mob assault. The woman was later rescued by police and sent to the hospital for treatment. Her complaint has been registered,” a police source said.
‘Almost killed my daughter’
After the woman was rescued and hospitalised, her 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 was 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.
Cops appeal against rumours
Confirming the case, Senior Inspector Shailendra Nagarkar of Malwani police said a cognisable offence has been registered against unknown persons, and 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!
