Nagpur Police Nab Gig Worker After Two-Year Stalking and Flashing Spree
In a significant breakthrough, the Rana Pratap Nagar police in Nagpur apprehended a 28-year-old gig worker early Thursday, ending his nearly two-year reign of terror involving stalking and flashing at women. The accused, identified as Khomdeo Patle, also known as Kartik, a resident of Jaitala Road, was captured after a brief chase, bringing relief to the community.
Modus Operandi and Targeted Areas
Police officials revealed that Patle operated under the cover of darkness, typically post-midnight, while working as a school van driver during the day. He would roam West Nagpur on a scooter, targeting women in various locations, including Ambazari Garden, Hingna Point, Padole Square, Shankar Nagar, Jaitala Road, Somalwada, Sonegaon, IT Park, and LAD Square.
His method involved covering his face with a cloth and riding alongside women while exposing his genitals, sometimes even intercepting his victims directly. Despite multiple cases registered against him at Rana Pratap Nagar, Ambazari, and Bajaj Nagar police stations, he had managed to evade capture until now.
Recent Incidents Leading to Arrest
The arrest followed a series of brazen incidents. On March 24, Patle allegedly chased two women in their mid-twenties on Jaitala Road, driving alongside them and flashing before fleeing towards Sim Takli when they raised an alarm. In another case near IT Park, he reportedly targeted two women on a scooter in a similar manner.
Just days before his arrest, he accosted two women near LAD Square, leading to a confrontation where one victim's clothes were torn during a scuffle before he escaped. These events intensified police efforts to track him down.
Police Investigation and Breakthrough
Authorities had been pursuing Patle for two years, with a special team formed two months ago under the supervision of zonal DCP Rishikesh Reddy and senior inspector Pankaj Bondse. The team included constables Ankush Kanojiya, Ajay Dhurve, and Pravin Masram.
Earlier attempts, including a decoy operation with a woman officer, failed as Patle managed to slip away. However, investigators eventually identified his scooter based on detailed descriptions from victims. Acting on this clue, the team spotted a masked suspect wearing a black jacket on a scooter, leading to a short chase and his subsequent interception and custody.
Legal Actions and Background
Patle, who married two years ago, has been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for outraging the modesty of women and other related offences. He remains in police custody and is scheduled to be produced in court for further legal proceedings.
This arrest highlights the persistent efforts of Nagpur police in addressing crimes against women and ensuring community safety, marking a crucial step in combating such predatory behavior in the city.
