On Monday morning, a distressing incident unfolded near a hotel on Ghodbunder Road in Thane, Maharashtra, leaving Priya Singh, a 26-year-old woman, with severe injuries. The alleged assailant, identified as Ashwajit Gaikwad, the son of Anil Gaikwad, Managing Director at the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation, is now facing serious charges after a heated argument escalated into a horrifying act of violence.
The incident occurred around 4.30 AM near a hotel on Ghodbunder Road. Priya Singh, in a relationship with Ashwajit for almost five years, received a call to join him at a family function. What transpired next was beyond Priya's imagination—a series of events that escalated from a heated argument to physical violence.
The Gruesome Assault
In her Instagram post, Priya recounted the shocking sequence of events. Upon arriving at the function, Priya noticed Ashwajit's peculiar behaviour. Attempts to discuss the matter privately escalated into a heated argument, where Ashwajit, along with his friend Romil Patil, allegedly resorted to physical violence and abusive language. The situation took a dark turn when Ashwajit, according to Priya, allegedly slapped her, tried to strangle her, and instigated his friend to join in the assault.
As Priya attempted to retrieve her belongings from Ashwajit's car, the situation took a horrifying turn when, in a chilling command, he allegedly instructed his driver, Sagar, to run her over with their Range Rover Defender. The subsequent callous act resulted in Priya being hit by the car, her right leg crushed under the rear left wheel. The assailants callously fled the scene, leaving her in excruciating pain for approximately 30 minutes before a passerby alerted the local police.
Currently undergoing treatment in a Thane hospital, she faces a lengthy recovery period. Priya's right leg is broken, necessitating surgery and the placement of a rod. Deep bruises adorn her body, and she anticipates being bedridden for at least 3–4 months, followed by an extended period of walking support.
Even after the brutal incident, the ordeal for Priya didn't end. Threats and intimidation continued as Ashwajit's friends allegedly approached Priya's sister, attempting to influence and coerce her into withdrawing the filed FIR. The victim, bedridden and recovering from surgery, expressed profound fear for herself and her family.
The Maharashtra police have initiated an investigation into the incident, with no arrests made thus far. Globally, an estimated 736 million women—almost one in three—have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both, at least once in their lives.
The story of Priya not only stresses the brutality of the assault and the growth of domestic violence in relationships, but it also raises concerns about the safety of individuals in relationships, especially those with seemingly influential connections.
/shethepeople/media/agency_attachments/iUYfaBbcMozaYLoGnoov.png)
/shethepeople/media/member_avatars/h4HZwmcBacu03I80QTAh.jpg )
Follow Us/shethepeople/media/media_files/uscSkE30ENZ5AKDdX0RO.jpg)