In a heart-wrenching incident that has shocked the community of Pimpri-Chinchwad, a 12-year-old girl took her own life after reportedly enduring relentless harassment from local road romeos. The tragedy unfolded in Bhosari, where the young girl was discovered hanging in her bedroom on June 6, 2024. This devastating event has raised serious concerns about safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement in protecting vulnerable individuals from harassment. The girl’s father, devastated by the loss of his daughter, took it upon himself to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.
While authorities remained largely inactive, he scoured CCTV footage and conducted inquiries in the neighborhood to uncover the truth. His relentless pursuit of justice led him to discover a note in his daughter’s pocket containing the mobile number of one of her alleged harassers. On October 5, 2024, armed with this evidence, the father filed a complaint at the Bhosari police station, which resulted in the swift arrest of two suspects: 20-year-old Kshitij Laxman Parad and 19-year-old Tejas Pandurang Pathare. The father’s actions have sparked questions regarding the police’s initial inaction and the overall safety of young women in Maharashtra.
The shocking case comes amid increasing reports of violence and harassment against women in the region. Just days before, a 21-year-old girl was gang-raped in Pune, highlighting a troubling pattern of crimes against women. Community members are now calling for improved police patrolling and stricter enforcement against road romeos, who openly harass school and college girls without fear of repercussions.
Parents and residents are demanding accountability from law enforcement, questioning why they had to rely on the proactive measures of a grieving father when it should have been the police’s responsibility to protect the community. The tragedy has ignited a conversation about the safety of women and girls in Pimpri-Chinchwad, urging a reassessment of policing strategies and a comprehensive approach to tackling harassment.
As the investigation continues, the families of the victims and the wider community are left grappling with the devastating loss and seeking justice for the young girl whose life was cut short by a culture of harassment and intimidation. Authorities are under mounting pressure to ensure that such tragedies do not occur again, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced safety measures for women and girls across the region.