Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
A 24-year-old site supervisor was arrested by Vedantnagar police for sexually harassing women in Vedantnagar and Osmanpura areas over the last 15 days.
The accused, Gajanan Gadade, was caught on Friday at midnight. He lives with his wife at Ashok Chowk, Kailasnagar. He wore different clothes each time to avoid recognition. For the past 15 days, Gajanan had been harassing women and girls in Vedantnagar and Usmanpura areas. Wearing different outfits each time, he would touch women inappropriately while they were walking alone and then flee. His acts escalated especially during evenings in low-traffic areas, leaving many women and students terrified. Due to fear of court procedures and social stigma, most victims remained silent. However, a 30-year-old working woman from Bansilalnagar finally came forward to file a complaint, based on which Vedantnagar police registered an FIR under Inspector Praveena Yadav.
CCTV clue cracks the case
Police found CCTV footage showing part of Gadade’s bike number (ending in 3649). They contacted RTOs in three districts and identified a Hingoli-based bike registered to his brother. Disguised as a friend, PSI Vaibhav More traced Gajanan and arrested him by 11.30 pm on Friday.
Disturbed past, recent marriage
Gadade, a Class 12 pass-out and an orphan, worked for a road contractor in Satara. He got married nine months ago in Hingoli. His wife, despite knowing about his crimes, supported him in court. He has been sent to police custody till April 14.
Public shaming by Police
Police paraded Gadade in handcuffs through the same streets where he had harassed women. Several women expressed relief and appreciated the police action.
(WITH PHOTO)