The Baner Police filed a chargesheet in a molestation case within just 20 hours, officials said on Thursday. This quick action led to the arrest of 27-year-old Yogesh Shrikrushna Avchar, a resident of Mhalunge, on March 17 at 6:44pm, they added.
According to the police, a 46-year-old woman residing in Baner had been repeatedly stalked and harassed by Avchar since October 2024. The accused also threatened her, saying, "I like you, I will keep following you, and if you file a complaint with the police, you will face the consequences." The accused allegedly followed her near her residence and clinic, making these threatening statements.
Despite her repeated rejections, Avchar continued to harass the woman, prompting her to finally approach the Baner Police Station and file a case on March 17.
Acting on the victim's complaint, Avchar was booked under sections 78(2), 79, and 351(2) of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita.
Navnath Jagtap, Senior Police Inspector (Baner Police Station), speaking to The Free Press Journal, said, "Avchar was previously employed as a compounder at the victim's clinic. However, due to his inappropriate behaviour and harassment, he was dismissed six months ago."
"The police completed their investigation within 20 hours, after which the chargesheet was submitted to the Pune District Court in Shivajinagar. The court accepted the chargesheet and ordered the accused into judicial custody," he added.
The case was investigated under the leadership of Police Sub-Inspector Rajshree Patil, with guidance from Senior Police Inspector Navnath Jagtap, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Khadki Division) Vithal Dabhade and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 4) Himmat Jadhav.
Investigating officer PSI Rajshree Patil, speaking to FPJ, said the accused is a native of Akola and was residing alone in Mhalunge. For the past month, he had been working as a delivery boy. "Even after losing his job, he continued to stalk her, repeatedly calling and messaging her throughout the day, leading to his arrest," she added.
