On Pretext Of Offering Help, Mumbai Man Molests 20 Women In 2023

A 39-year-old man in Mumbai has been arrested on allegations of molesting more than 20 women during the current year.

According to the police, the accused portrayed himself as an acquaintance of the victims' male relatives, using the fake identity to entice them by promising rides to their residences or workplaces on his motorcycle.

Case Details

The suspect, identified as Balu Pandurang Khaire, a resident of the Sion-Koliwada locality, was taken into custody on Wednesday, earlier this week, in Diva.

Khaire purportedly took his victims to isolated locations, where he subjected them to molestation. When they raised the alarm, he absconded with their possessions, including mobile phones and money. At this point, the accused has been linked to the molestation of no less than 22 women.

Following a complaint filed by a victim on August 2, detailing an incident where Khaire allegedly offered her a lift and then molested her in a building in Bandra (East), a police team orchestrated a plan to capture him. The apprehension took place after an hour-long pursuit through a mangrove area in Diva.

Police Investigation Underway

Upon interrogation, the accused admitted to employing the same method of operation in all his instances, confessing to having molested and robbed at least 22 women in the ongoing year.

The investigation was triggered by a complainant, prompting the police to undertake their inquiries. Khaire was reportedly identified using CCTV footage from the vicinity, with additional details obtained from his motorcycle's registration number.

Described as using persuasive language and introducing himself as a family acquaintance, Khaire would allegedly gain the trust of his victims. Under the guise of offering rides to their workplaces or homes, he would then proceed to molest them during the journey.

Not The First Incident

Earlier in June this year, the Juhu police apprehended another serial offender who molested over 18 young women and girls near educational institutions and tuition centres.

Kalpesh Gopinath Devghare was a Charni Road resident from Girgaon and was employed as a driver. He targeted young girls and women aged between 15 and 20 years. The accused, followed his victims, monitoring their movements until they entered isolated zones, where he would proceed to assault and sexually harass them. Additionally, he had been previously apprehended for engaging in public masturbation.

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