Vasai, a town generally known for its calm neighbourhoods and closely-knit communities, was shaken by a disturbing incident on Sunday, July 21. In a frightening event that could have ended in tragedy, four men allegedly attempted to kidnap two schoolgirls in the Mulgaon area near Khochivade village. Fortunately, the situation took a different turn thanks to the quick thinking and courage of local residents.
What Happened?
The incident took place in the afternoon when two minor schoolgirls were walking back home after school, as they usually do. Their route passed through a quiet part of Kharekuran in Mulgaon, where they suddenly found themselves being targeted by a group of men travelling in an autorickshaw.
According to eyewitnesses, the men attempted to forcibly drag the girls into the rickshaw. Alarmed and terrified, the girls began screaming for help. Their cries alerted people nearby, who immediately ran toward them. What followed was a dramatic and brave rescue operation carried out by ordinary residents acting on pure instinct.
The accused were quickly overpowered by the growing crowd. Tension rose as the public expressed their anger physically, beating the four men before the police could arrive at the scene.
Who Were the Accused?
The men involved in the incident have been identified as:
- Sharad Shinde
- Sanjay Golankar
- Nilesh Mandavkar
- Suraj Matol, the autorickshaw driver
All four are residents of Kalwa in Thane district. What’s particularly alarming is that three of the accused had disguised themselves as transgender persons—a tactic they allegedly used for begging in the area. It’s believed that this disguise helped them move around unnoticed and may have been part of a larger plan.
The autorickshaw used in the incident was also seen in the locality on previous days. Some residents recalled seeing the same rickshaw roaming suspiciously in the area, which now suggests that this may not have been a random act but something that was being planned in advance.
Immediate Action by Police
As soon as the Vasai police received information about the incident, a team rushed to the spot. By the time they arrived, however, the mob had already taken matters into their own hands, making it difficult for the police to calm the situation.
The four suspects were injured due to the crowd’s attack and had to be taken to Sir D.M. Petit Municipal Hospital for medical treatment. After receiving basic care, they were moved to the Vasai Police Station for further questioning.
Senior Police Inspector Balkrishna Ghadigaonkar, who is handling the case, confirmed that the investigation is in full swing. The police have begun collecting CCTV footage from nearby areas and are taking down detailed statements from the two schoolgirls involved.
Statements From Locals
Local residents who witnessed the incident are still in shock but proud that their timely intervention prevented what could have been a much worse situation. Some villagers mentioned that not only were the girls threatened, but the men also had sharp objects like knives, which added to the danger.
The crowd managed to rescue not just the two girls who were initially targeted but possibly also prevented other children from falling victim. There are unconfirmed claims by villagers that the same group tried to target more than two children, including three girls and a boy.
One local said, “We heard the girls screaming, and we ran without thinking. We couldn’t let something like this happen to our children.”
Another woman added, “These men had dressed as transgender persons to fool people, but something about them felt off. We’re thankful we listened to our instincts.”
Fear in the Community
Since the incident, there has been a wave of fear throughout the Mulgaon and Khochivade areas. Parents are now even more cautious about letting their children walk alone, and many have demanded stricter patrolling and background checks for people seen loitering around schools.
There’s concern among villagers that this might not be an isolated incident but part of a growing problem. “What if they were part of a bigger group? What if they return?” one parent asked during a community meeting held after the incident.
The fear is understandable. In recent years, there have been several cases across India where criminals have used disguises—including posing as monks, women, or transgender persons—to commit serious crimes such as theft or kidnapping. The misuse of transgender identity in this case also draws criticism, as it may lead to increased suspicion and discrimination against the already marginalized community.
What’s Next?
The police have assured the public that a full investigation is ongoing. All four accused have been booked under relevant sections, and their backgrounds are being examined. The rickshaw used in the crime has been seized, and CCTV footage is being analyzed to trace their movements in the days leading up to the attempt.
Officials have also confirmed that the minor girls’ statements are being recorded with the presence of their parents and a child protection officer to ensure their comfort.
Senior PI Ghadigaonkar added, “We are treating this matter with utmost seriousness. The safety of children is a priority, and we will ensure that every angle is investigated.”
A Reminder of Vigilance
This incident serves as a powerful reminder of how community alertness can prevent crimes. While it’s the police’s job to enforce the law, the role of everyday citizens in keeping neighbourhoods safe cannot be underestimated.
Had the girls not raised their voices, and had the locals not responded so quickly, the outcome could have been heartbreaking.
If you live in the Vasai area or anywhere else, this is also a reminder:
- Talk to your children about safety.
- Encourage them to walk in groups.
- Always be alert to unfamiliar vehicles or suspicious behaviour in your neighbourhood.
- Don’t hesitate to report anything unusual to local authorities.
In Vasai, the community’s courage saved lives. Their quick action may have exposed a more dangerous threat before it could grow.
