Man Arrested for Selfie Scheme Leading to Molestation Allegations

A 37-year-old man has been arrested in Thane, Maharashtra, for allegedly molesting three minor girls under the pretext of taking a selfie with them. The incident occurred as the girls were on their way to school. The accused approached them, leading to his arrest after intervention by neighbors.

A 37-year-old man in Thane district, Maharashtra, has been apprehended on suspicion of molesting three young girls while intending to take a selfie with them, officials reported on Sunday. The incident unfolded on Friday when the girls, aged 8 and two 10-year-olds, awaited an auto-rickshaw en route to school in Ulhasnagar township.

The suspect, residing in the same locality, reportedly engaged the minors under the guise of capturing a selfie, stated Inspector Vikram Gaud of the Vitthalwadi police station. Under duress, the minors fled to one of their homes nearby, leaving their school bags behind.

Neighbors restrained the man after the girls sounded an alarm. Following a complaint from the victims, he was detained on Friday night and charged under the POCSO Act and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage and procuring additional evidence, including witness statements, as part of the ongoing investigation.