Mumbai: The Malvani police have arrested a 34-year-old masseur for allegedly sexually harassing a 33-year-old Spanish tourist and her friend. The incident occurred on December 16 at the residence of the victim’s friend, who was also harassed, in Madh, Malvani.
The victim, who arrived in India as a tourist on November 4, had searched online for an Ayurvedic masseur and found Kumar’s contact. His profile had a five-star rating and advertised home visit services. After agreeing on a fee of Rs 2,000, Kumar arrived at the residence in the afternoon.
At first, he began messaging the tourist’s friend who noticed Kumar’s inappropriate touch but she thought that it might be an accidental and ignored it. However, when Kumar began massaging the Spanish woman and repeated the same behaviour, the woman stopped him.
he victim also noticed his phone placed nearby and grew suspicious that he might have recorded videos or taken photos without her consent. When asked to hand over his phone, Kumar refused.
After the incident, the victim immediately reported the matter to the police via the 112 and 100 helplines. The Malvani police promptly arrived at the scene and detained Kumar. Following the woman’s statement, a case was filed against him.
Kumar’s mobile phone was seized, and it has been sent to a forensic lab for analysis. The results of the forensic examination will confirm whether Kumar had taken any inappropriate photos or videos of the two women.
The case has been filed under sections 64 (rape) and 75(1) (sexual harassment) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police have confirmed that Kumar has no prior criminal record, although investigations are ongoing to determine if he has been involved in any similar incidents in the past.
