Shock and Concern Grip Thane as Watchman Arrested for Molestation and Teen Found Dead in Lake

Kalyan/Bhiwandi, Thane District – A wave of shock and concern has swept across parts of Thane district following two distressing incidents reported by the police on Saturday. In Kalyan, a housing complex watchman was swiftly arrested after allegedly molesting and sexually harassing a teenage girl, while in Bhiwandi, police are investigating the mysterious death of a 17-year-old girl whose body was found in a local lake.

Watchman Arrested After Quick Action by Residents

In the Khadakpada area of Kalyan, a terrifying incident for a young resident was quickly addressed by the community. The incident reportedly occurred on Friday afternoon around 2:30 pm in a residential building’s lift lobby.

The victim, a teenage girl, was allegedly targeted by the building’s 42-year-old watchman. A police official, as reported by PTI, stated that the accused “allegedly touched the girl inappropriately and forcibly hugged her.” Even after she broke free, he reportedly made lewd gestures at her.

The girl’s immediate alarm led to a commendable response from the society’s residents. “Immediately after learning about the incident, the residents of the society caught hold of the watchman and handed him over to the police,” a police official confirmed.

Based on the victim’s complaint, the accused was immediately arrested. A case has been registered against him at the Khadakpada police station under Section 74 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) (assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Further investigations into the matter are currently underway. This swift, collective action by the residents highlights the importance of community vigilance in ensuring safety.

Teen’s Body Found in Bhiwandi Lake, Death Under Investigation

Meanwhile, a separate and equally concerning incident unfolded in Bhiwandi, where the body of a 17-year-old girl was retrieved from a lake on Saturday morning.

Police rushed to the Varhaladevi lake in Bhiwandi after being alerted and recovered the body of the deceased, who was a resident of Kamathghar. The body has been sent for a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death.

Officials from the Bhiwandi Town police station have begun an investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the tragedy. “At this stage, it is unclear whether it is a case of suicide or something else,” a police official stated. An Accidental Death Report (ADR) has been registered as the police work to uncover the truth behind the girl’s untimely death.

Both incidents have cast a shadow over the area, prompting residents to question the safety and security measures within their localities. Police investigations in both cases are ongoing.