Three police personnel, including a sub-inspector, were injured after being attacked by a mob of 40 to 50 people while investigating a POCSO case lodged at the Narpoli police station.
According to the police, three accused—Krishna Mandal (20), Pankaj Kamble (20), and Pratik Mane (21)—have been identified, and one juvenile has been detained. All are residents of the Kamatghar area in Bhiwandi. The injured officers have been identified as Sub-Inspector Akash Pawar and Constables Sunil Shinde and Abdul Tadvi, all of whom are posted at the Narpoli police station. They have been admitted to a private hospital for treatment.
The police stated that on February 18, a 15-year-old minor girl was allegedly subjected to abusive language and obscene gestures by her neighbors. When her father confronted them, he was beaten up. Distressed by the incident, the girl consumed phenyl in an attempt to harm herself. She was rushed to IGM Hospital and later approached the police.
As the case falls under the POCSO Act, a police team was dispatched to Varahal Devi in Kamatghar to locate the accused. However, when officers inquired about their whereabouts, a crowd of 40 to 50 people gathered, leading to a heated argument. Suddenly, one person pelted a stone at the police, triggering a physical assault. The mob attacked the officers with fists and blows, and the police vehicle’s glass was also damaged in the stone-pelting incident.
Investigation Officer Pramod Kumbhar from the Narpoli Police Station clarified, "Our team had gone to search for the accused, who are not involved in the attack on the police. Another group of 40 to 50 individuals allegedly assaulted the officers. A manhunt has been launched to track down the perpetrators. Further investigation is underway."
