Kidnapping Attempt Foiled in Vasai: Locals Nab Men Impersonating Transgenders

Palghar, Maharashtra | July 21: A swift and brave response from alert residents of Vasai’s Mulgaon area helped foil a shocking attempt to abduct two minor schoolgirls on Sunday evening. Four men, including three impersonating transgender persons and an autorickshaw driver, were caught by locals while allegedly trying to force the girls into a vehicle.

The two girls, residents of Khochivade village, were returning home from school through the Kharekuran area when they were reportedly targeted by the accused travelling in an autorickshaw. The suspects—identified as Sharad Shinde, Sanjay Golankar, Nilesh Mandavkar, and autorickshaw driver Suraj Matol—are all residents of Kalwa in Thane district.

According to eyewitness accounts, the girls’ cries for help alerted nearby residents, who rushed to the spot and managed to overpower the accused before they could flee. The suspects were severely beaten by the angry mob before police arrived on the scene.

The local police, led by Senior Inspector Balkrishna Ghadigaonkar of Vasai Police Station, had to intervene to pacify the crowd. The accused were initially taken to Sir D.M. Petit Municipal Hospital for treatment of their injuries and later brought to the police station for questioning.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the accused had been posing as transgender persons, allegedly begging for money in the area for the past few days. Several locals confirmed seeing the same autorickshaw and suspects roaming suspiciously, suggesting the kidnapping was likely premeditated.

Police are now reviewing CCTV footage and collecting further evidence. The statements of the minor victims are being recorded, and a thorough investigation is underway to determine the full extent of the suspects' activities.

“We are treating the matter with utmost seriousness and are ensuring that all angles are thoroughly probed,” said Senior Inspector Ghadigaonkar.

The incident has sparked concern and outrage among local residents, highlighting the urgent need for increased vigilance and security in the area.