Nagpur: A 35-year-old man accused of sexually harassing a nine-year-old girl was allegedly assaulted by a mob in Pardi on Monday night and died during treatment at Mayo Hospital on Tuesday afternoon.
The deceased was identified as Narayandas Manmohandas Vaishnav, a resident of Shivnagar in Pardi. Originally from Bhilai, Vaishnav had reportedly come to Nagpur in search of work.
The incident took place near a Maskara Ganpati mandal in Shivnagar, where a programme was underway and several children were playing near the pandal.
Girl Allegedly Taken to Accused’s House
According to the girl’s family, Vaishnav allegedly approached the nine-year-old girl and told her that her mother had asked her to stay at his house for some time.
Believing him, the girl reportedly accompanied him to his house. Police said Vaishnav allegedly took the girl inside and sexually harassed her.
The girl resisted and reportedly bit his hand before managing to escape. She then returned to her family and informed her mother about the alleged incident.
Crowd Gathers Outside House
News of the alleged incident spread quickly, following which a crowd of around 70 to 80 people reportedly gathered outside Vaishnav’s house.
According to police, some members of the crowd allegedly dragged him outside and assaulted him with kicks and punches.
Meanwhile, the girl’s grandfather reached Pardi Police Station and informed the police about the assault. A police team immediately rushed to the spot and called for additional personnel after finding a large crowd there.
Vaishnav was found injured on the ground. Police said he told them that around eight to 10 people had assaulted him. The people allegedly involved in the assault had left the spot before police arrived.
Cases Registered in Sexual Harassment and Mob Assault
Police took Vaishnav to Mayo Hospital for treatment, where his statement was recorded.
Based on a complaint filed by the girl’s father, Pardi police registered a case against Vaishnav under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the POCSO Act.
A separate case was also registered against eight to 10 unidentified persons for allegedly assaulting Vaishnav. The case was registered on the complaint of a head constable.
Accused Dies During Treatment
Vaishnav died at around 2:30 pm on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Mayo Hospital. Police informed his brother about the death.
An accidental death case has been registered for the time being, as the exact cause of death is yet to be established.
Pardi Police Inspector Nanda Mangate said police would investigate both the circumstances surrounding Vaishnav’s death and the assault allegedly carried out by the mob.
The investigation into the alleged sexual offence and the subsequent assault is underway.
