The owner of a Rabale-based hotel went absconding two days ago after two minor girls working in the hospitality department filed a complaint with the MIDC police that he molested and tortured them on the pretext of assigning work. After registering a case under the POCSO Act, the cops launched a search operation to nab the accused.

According to the police, the hotel is situated at the Mindspace Business Park in Airoli area. Mamta Dsouza, senior inspector, Rabale MIDC, said, "Two days ago two young girls came to us and narrated the torture that they were going through at the hotel. The hotel owner, Lokesh Tiwari, had hired them for the hospitality department. When the girls used to visit the storeroom, he would follow and then touch them inappropriately. He often threatened them of ruining their lives if they revealed the matter to anyone."