Palghar, Maharashtra: A 24-year-old woman, Preeti Shukla, has been arrested after a violent attack on her stepfather, Ramesh Bharti, in Nallasopara East on Monday afternoon. The attack, which involved the use of a knife, resulted in severe injuries to Bharti, including the severance of his genitals, is alleged to be the culmination of years of sexual abuse.
The incident occurred around 3 pm in the Santosh Bhuvan area of Nallasopara East, where Shukla resided in Sarvodaya Nagar Chawl. According to Tulinj Police, Bharti, who became Shukla's stepfather after her mother's remarriage, had allegedly been sexually assaulting her for the past two years.
On Monday, the situation escalated when Bharti reportedly pressured Shukla for sexual relations. Police reports indicate that Shukla, after enduring prolonged abuse, devised a plan to retaliate. She reportedly feigned compliance, blindfolding Bharti before launching the attack, which included the severe genital injury.
Following the initial attack, a bloodied Bharti fled the residence, only to be pursued and further assaulted by Shukla in the street. Witnesses report that Shukla openly declared she was attacking him due to years of sexual abuse.
A video circulating among local residents shows Shukla wielding a knife in the aftermath of the attack. Bharti is currently in critical condition and receiving treatment at Mumbai's Shatabdi Hospital.
Tulinj Police have taken Shukla into custody and are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. The investigation will focus on verifying the allegations of long-term sexual abuse and the circumstances surrounding the violent attack.
