In a molestation case reported on Thursday, APMC police acts swiftly and not just nabs the accused but also files a chargesheet in record time of 18 hours creating a new record in the history of Navi Mumbai police commissionerate. The incident, was reported at 1.33 am, wherein a nine year old child was molested by a shopkeeper in the APMC area.
According to police, the girl had gone to the shop to buy something when the accused later identified as Vinodkumar Kedarnath Pandey (34), touched her inappropriately. The girl informed her parents by night following which the parents reported to the police station.
The on-duty officer reached the crime scene, gathered evidence, and registered a case under Sections 74 and 75(1)(i) of the Indian Penal Code (BNS) and Sections 8 and 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, 2012.
“During the investigation, we recorded the victim’s statement before the magistrate, collected witness testimonies, conducted a medical examination, and secured forensic evidence. Based on the findings, the accused was identified and arrested at 3.17 am the same day. The charge sheet was filed, and the accused was presented before the Special Sessions Court in Belapur within 18 hours,” senior police inspector Ajay Shinde from APMC police station said. The law grants 60 days time period to the police to file the chargesheet in court. “In most of the case, the arrest takes time then collection of evidence, witness testimonies, everything takes time but in this case, everything was at place within 18 hours and we decided to go ahead with the chargesheet,” PI Shinde said.
The arrested accused Pandey, was a resident of D-554, Vegetable Market, APMC, Navi Mumbai. He is originally from Marocha Village, Andhiyari Post, Mankapur, Gonda District, Uttar Pradesh.
“This rapid investigation, conducted on the eve of International Women’s Day, highlights the efficiency and dedication of our team in addressing crimes against women and children. In addition, a request has been made to the honorable court to conduct the trial in a fast-track court to ensure swift justice,” Deputy Commissioner of police (Zone I) Pankaj Dahane said.
Police Inspector Mahesh Mandve, Assistant Inspectors Vijay Upale, and Pranita Bhakare of APMC Police Station were a part of the team who consolidated the evidence and testimonies.
