Mumbai: The Vikhroli police have arrested a man for allegedly to molest a woman walking alone during early morning hours on April 13. The incident occurred around 5:14 AM near the old police station on the Mumbai-Thane Eastern Express Highway, southbound lane, Vikhroli East.
The accused, identified as Uday Suresh Khambe (38), was apprehended after a thorough technical investigation involving the review of over 180 CCTV cameras across Mumbai and Thane.
According to the police, the victim was walking for work when an unidentified man on a motorcycle approached her from behind and attacked her with intent to molest. A case under Section 74 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita was immediately registered in Vikroli Police Station, and a manhunt was launched under the guidance of top officials.
Since the victim couldn’t identify the attacker or the motorcycle, police teams led by Inspector Anil Jaykar began reviewing CCTV footage from the crime scene. The accused was seen fleeing towards Powai via JVLR, and then later traced entering Mumbai from Thane through Anand Nagar, Cadbury Junction, and Waghbil Bridge on Ghodbunder Road.
Crucially, private CCTV footage showed the suspect transporting a woman on the same motorcycle to a society in Hiranandani. Police located the woman, who revealed she had booked a Rapido bike ride on the same day. Based on the ride details provided by Rapido, police obtained the vehicle registration and mobile number of the rider.
The suspect was located in Vakola, detained, and brought to the police station where his involvement in the offense was confirmed. He was placed under arrest. The motorcycle used in the crime, a Passion Pro, was also seized.
