The Powai Police in Mumbai have arrested a 28-year-old man from Kalwa in Thane district, after he allegedly entered a woman’s home dressed in women’s clothes and sexually assaulted her, an official said.
The police managed to trace and arrest the suspect within four hours of the incident being reported, said the official.
The assault took place at around 12:20 pm on August 18, when the victim was inside her residence. The suspect allegedly gained entry, confronted her in the bedroom, and threatened her before sexually assaulting her.
Following the victim's complaint, Powai Police registered a case under Sections 64(1) and 351(2) and launched an investigation.
Traced to Kalwa slums
During initial inquiries, investigators established that the suspect had fled the scene in an autorickshaw. Using technical analysis and local informant intelligence, police tracked his escape route to a slum area in Kharegaon, Kalwa.
On August 19, police took the suspect, identified as 28-year-old Anil Sheshrao Shinde, into custody and formally arrested him before producing him in court.
Investigators said that Shinde reached the area disguised in women’s clothing, using the pretense of begging to gain entry to residential buildings.
The police were now investigating whether he was involved in similar crimes.
Activist commends quick police response
Social activist Intekhab Farooqui praised the police team for their rapid four-hour arrest, calling for severe legal punishment to serve as a deterrent.
Farooqui revealed that the suspect had targeted his own family's building shortly before the crime. The accused allegedly went up to the third-floor flat of Farooqui's brother, Izaar Farooqui, and attempted to push his way inside under the guise of offering prayers and blessings. Izaar refused him entry and ordered him to leave.
"The police have done a commendable job by tracing and arresting him within just four hours," Farooqui said. "From what I have learnt, the accused is not a transgender person but a man who was allegedly moving around dressed as a woman. Such cases require strict action so that nobody dares to repeat such acts."
The swift arrest operation was led under the supervision of Additional Commissioner of Police Abhinav Deshmukh, DCP Dutta Nalavade, ACP Dadasaheb Ghutukade, and Senior Inspector Atmaji Sawant, with Police Inspector (Crime) Sushant Badgar heading the investigating team.
Mumbai Police issue vigilance advisory
Following the incident, the Mumbai Police issued a safety advisory urging citizens to remain alert and refrain from allowing unknown individuals or beggars into their homes without proper verification. Residents are advised to report any suspicious activity immediately to the emergency police helplines on 100 or 112.
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