Pune: In a span of two days, two disturbing cases of harassment involving minor girls have come to light in Pune. Police investigations are underway in both incidents, with charges filed under relevant laws protecting minors.
In the first incident, two schoolgirls were allegedly harassed by an unidentified man on their way to school on Thursday (December 12) morning in the Bharati Vidyapeeth area.
The accused, believed to be aged between 40 and 45 years, intercepted the girls around 7:15 a.m. and attempted obscene acts. The girls raised an alarm, forcing the accused to flee. They later informed their parents, who lodged a complaint with the Bharati Vidyapeeth Police.
Senior Police Inspector Sharad Zine and Sub-Inspector Ratikant Koli visited the scene, and a search operation is underway to apprehend the suspect. Officials have noted a rise in similar incidents targeting minors in the city in recent months.
In the second incident, a 19-year-old man allegedly lured a minor girl in the Kalepadal area with chocolates and took her to a secluded location, where he committed an obscene act. The victim informed her mother, who filed a complaint with the police.
The accused, identified as a neighbor of the victim, has been charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act. Assistant Police Inspector Praveen Abdagire is leading the investigation.
Authorities have urged the public to report any suspicious activities promptly to prevent such incidents and ensure the safety of minors.