Schoolgirl Harassed on Her Way Home in Mhow
A disturbing incident of stalking and harassment targeting a minor girl has led to the arrest of a 50-year-old man in the Kanwan area of Dhar district. The event unfolded on Saturday afternoon when a 16-year-old student was returning home from school with a friend.
The Harrowing Ordeal
According to police officials, the traumatic experience began at approximately 3:30 PM on Saturday. The victim and her friend were walking home when the accused, identified as Sanjay Patidar, approached them outside their school. DSP Gagan Hanwat provided details of the incident, stating that Patidar stopped the girl and allegedly pressured her to sit with him on his motorcycle.
The brave teenager refused his advances and continued walking with her companion. However, the harassment did not end there. Shortly afterward, the girls discovered that Patidar had followed them and was waiting near a local dhaba. There, he once again began pressuring the minor, creating a frightening situation for both students.
Immediate Action and Legal Consequences
Fearing for her safety, the young girl ran toward her home and immediately reported the entire ordeal to her parents. The family wasted no time in approaching the authorities, filing an official complaint that same day.
Law enforcement acted swiftly on the complaint, leading to the arrest of Sanjay Patidar on Sunday. The accused now faces serious legal charges under multiple statutes, including relevant sections of the BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita), the SC/ST Act, and the crucial Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
This case highlights the ongoing concerns about women's safety and child protection in public spaces, particularly for students traveling to and from educational institutions. The prompt response by both the victim's family and police authorities demonstrates the importance of immediate reporting and action in such sensitive cases.
