Maharashtra Crime Update: Palghar Murder Accused Arrested After 5 Years; Thane Watchman Held for Molesting Teenage Girl

Mumbai: In two separate but serious incidents this week, Maharashtra police have acted decisively in cases that have shaken local communities — one involving a murder suspect who evaded arrest for over five years, and another involving the molestation of a teenage girl by a housing complex watchman.

Five-Year Fugitive Arrested in Palghar Murder Case

A 27-year-old woman, Dolrin Afrin Ahmed Khan, who had been on the run for more than five years, was apprehended in Kandivali, Mumbai on October 10. She is accused of murdering Pradeep Dayashankar Rai, 23, in February 2020 at Arnala, Palghar, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) Madan Ballal said.

According to police, Dolrin allegedly strangled Pradeep to death and staged the scene to make it look like a suicide. A preliminary investigation suggested that the motive was a monetary dispute between the accused and the victim, a resident of Badlapur in neighbouring Thane district.

An FIR was registered under Sections 302 (murder) and 201 (destruction of evidence) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). While she remained absconding, the police filed a chargesheet under Section 299 of the CrPC, which allows recording of evidence even in the absence of the accused.

“Over the past four months, our team intensified efforts to trace her. Acting on a specific tip-off, we located her in Kandivali and arrested her. She has now been handed over to Arnala police for further investigation,” Ballal said.

The arrest brings relief to the victim’s family, who have waited years for justice, and highlights the persistence of law enforcement in tracking fugitives.

Watchman Arrested for Molesting Teenage Girl in Thane

In a separate incident, a 42-year-old watchman of a housing complex in Khadakpada, Kalyan, Thane district was arrested for allegedly molesting a teenage girl residing in the building.

Police said the incident occurred around 2:30 pm on Friday. The accused reportedly touched the girl inappropriately and forcibly hugged her near the lift lobby. When the girl managed to break free, he allegedly made lewd gestures at her.

Residents of the society immediately intervened, caught the watchman, and handed him over to police.

“Based on the complaint lodged by the victim, the accused was arrested immediately,” a police official said.

A case has been registered under Section 74 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act at the Khadakpada police station. The investigation is ongoing. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media, raising awareness and outrage in the community.

A Reminder of Vigilance and Justice

These two incidents — one spanning years of evasion, and another involving the immediate protection of a child — serve as stark reminders of the importance of vigilance, community action, and the rule of law.

While Dolrin’s arrest gives hope to the family of the victim and reaffirms that justice can catch up, even years later, the swift action of the housing society residents in Thane highlights how community vigilance can prevent further harm.

In both cases, authorities urge citizens to remain alert, report suspicious behavior, and cooperate with law enforcement to ensure safety in their neighborhoods.