A family outing to Bhavli Dam and waterfall in Igatpuri, Nashik, ended in violence after a woman was allegedly sexually harassed by a group of men. According to police, the incident escalated into an assault in which the family was allegedly chased for nearly 20 kilometres, and their vehicle was vandalised with sticks and iron rods.
Authorities have detained nine of the ten accused, while efforts are underway to locate the remaining suspect.
What Happened at Bhavli Dam in Nashik?
The incident occurred when a family of eight visited the popular picnic destination at Bhavli Dam, located in Igatpuri, Nashik district, for a weekend outing.
According to the family’s complaint, two men allegedly whistled at and verbally harassed one of the women as the family prepared to leave the spot. When her husband confronted them over the alleged misconduct, the situation quickly turned hostile.
The woman said the men called out to her and allegedly harassed her in public, prompting both her and her husband to object.
Family Claims They Were Assaulted and Chased for 20 Kilometres
The family alleged that after the confrontation, more men—reportedly including individuals running nearby food stalls—joined the altercation.
What began as a verbal argument soon turned violent. According to the complaint:
- Around 8 to 10 men allegedly surrounded the family.
- The group allegedly abused and threatened them.
- As the family attempted to leave in their car, the accused allegedly blocked the vehicle.
- The attackers allegedly smashed the car’s windows using sticks and iron rods.
- The family claimed they were then chased for nearly 20 kilometres, during which their vehicle sustained extensive damage.
The victims said several children were inside the car throughout the incident and remain traumatised by the attack.
Family Alleges Theft During the Assault
Besides the alleged assault, the family has also accused the attackers of theft.
According to the complaint:
- The victim’s husband’s gold chain was allegedly snatched during the scuffle.
- A female family member reportedly lost her mobile phone, which police are currently trying to trace.
Police Investigation: Nine Detained, One Still Absconding
Following the family’s complaint, the Igatpuri Police launched an investigation.
Officials confirmed that:
- Nine of the ten accused have been detained for questioning.
- Police teams are searching for the remaining accused.
- Preliminary investigation has revealed that one of the suspects has a previous murder case registered against him.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the allegations, collect evidence and verify the sequence of events.
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Popular Tourist Spot Raises Safety Concerns
Bhavli Dam and its surrounding waterfalls attract numerous tourists, especially during the monsoon season. The incident has once again raised concerns over visitor safety, crowd management and security at popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police are expected to take further action based on witness statements and available evidence.
