Crime – Nashik Police Arrest 19-Year-Old Accused in Sexual Assault Case
Crime – A suspect accused of sexually assaulting a married woman in Nashik has been arrested after several days on the run, following a coordinated search operation by police teams.
The Nashik Police have taken into custody a 19-year-old man who had been evading authorities after allegedly committing a sexual assault in the city. The accused, identified as Harshal Ramesh Pardeshi, was apprehended in the Kannad region of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district after investigators tracked his movements across locations. Police officials said the arrest was carried out by a team from Crime Branch Unit-2 following an extensive search operation launched soon after the complaint was registered.
Complaint Leads to Immediate Police Action
According to police sources, the case came to light after a married woman approached authorities and reported the alleged assault. Her statement prompted the Ambad Police Station in Nashik to register a case under relevant sections related to rape.
Investigators said the accused had earlier visited the woman’s residence as a guest. On the night of the incident, the victim’s husband had reportedly left home for his night duty. Police allege that the accused took advantage of the situation and attacked the woman inside the house. During the incident, he allegedly restrained her by tying her hands with her scarf before carrying out the assault.
Following the incident, the suspect reportedly fled the area and remained untraceable for several days. The complaint quickly triggered concern in the neighbourhood, leading police to intensify their search to locate the accused.
Special Teams Formed to Track the Suspect
Given the seriousness of the allegations, senior police officials directed the formation of dedicated teams to trace the suspect. Officers from Crime Branch Unit-2 began gathering intelligence and monitoring possible locations where the accused might have taken shelter.
During the course of the investigation, police received information suggesting that the suspect was hiding in the Kannad area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. Acting on this lead, a team of officers travelled to the location and began surveillance in the surrounding region.
Arrest After Attempted Escape in Hilly Terrain
When police attempted to detain him, the accused allegedly tried to escape by running toward nearby hilly terrain. Officers pursued him through the rugged landscape for nearly two kilometres before successfully apprehending him.
Police officials confirmed that the accused was taken into custody at the scene and later transferred to Nashik for further legal procedures. Authorities stated that the swift action was necessary due to the gravity of the allegations and the public concern surrounding crimes against women.
Investigation Continues Under Ambad Police
After his arrest, the accused was handed over to officers at Ambad Police Station, where the case had originally been registered. Investigators are continuing their inquiry, including collecting statements and gathering evidence related to the incident.
Police officials reiterated that strict measures are being taken in cases involving violence against women and that investigations are conducted with priority to ensure accountability.
Separate Case Filed in Panchvati Area
In a separate development, another case related to alleged exploitation has been registered in Nashik. Panchvati Police have filed charges against a 35-year-old man identified as Mangesh Mahadev Phad, a resident of Parli.
According to the complaint, the accused allegedly established a relationship with a woman by assuring her of marriage. Police claim that he maintained physical relations with the victim at different locations over a prolonged period between June 2022 and March 2026. The woman later approached authorities after the accused reportedly refused to marry her.
Officials said the matter is under investigation, and further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry.