Navi Mumbai: A woman travelling from Mumbai to Panvel allegedly faced a terrifying ordeal after her cab driver stopped the vehicle on a deserted road near Navi Mumbai International Airport and attempted to sexually assault her, police said.
The incident reportedly took place around 1:30 am on Sunday on the Airport Service Road, approximately two kilometres from the airport. The woman managed to resist the alleged assault and escape from the vehicle, following which the driver fled the spot.
Woman Was Returning to Panvel After a Party
According to police, the woman had attended a party in Chembur with friends. After the gathering ended, one of her friends booked a cab for her to travel back to her home in Panvel.
She was travelling alone in the cab when the vehicle reached a relatively deserted stretch of the Airport Service Road near Navi Mumbai airport.
The woman reportedly had no reason to suspect that the journey would take a dangerous turn.
Driver Stopped Cab on Pretext of Drinking Water
Police said the driver suddenly stopped the cab on the secluded road, telling the passenger that he needed to get out and drink water.
After briefly stepping outside, the driver allegedly returned to the vehicle. Instead of getting back into the driver’s seat, he reportedly went to the rear seat where the woman was sitting alone.
According to the complaint, the driver then allegedly grabbed the woman’s hand and attempted to remove her clothes.
Woman Resisted and Managed to Escape
The woman reportedly resisted the driver’s actions and managed to break free.
She escaped from the cab, following which the accused allegedly drove away from the location.
The woman’s resistance helped her get out of the situation safely. She then immediately contacted her family and informed them about what had happened.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of women travelling alone in app-based cabs, particularly during late-night hours.
Complaint First Filed in Panvel
After the incident, the woman went to Panvel Police Station to lodge a complaint.
Since the alleged incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the Navi Mumbai Airport Police Station, Panvel police escorted her to the concerned police station.
The Navi Mumbai Airport Police subsequently registered a case based on her complaint.
Police Launch Search for Accused Driver
The accused has been identified as Mohammad Afzal Shaikh.
Police have registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and launched a search for the accused.
Investigators are using technical intelligence and information related to the cab to trace his whereabouts. Police are also examining the available details associated with the ride as part of the investigation.
As of the latest reports, the accused had not been arrested and a search operation was underway.
Incident Near Navi Mumbai International Airport Raises Safety Concerns
The alleged incident occurred close to the newly operational Navi Mumbai International Airport, on a service road around two kilometres from the airport.
The case has once again highlighted concerns over passenger safety during late-night cab journeys, especially when passengers are travelling alone through isolated stretches.
Police are now investigating the circumstances of the incident and working to trace the accused driver.
The identity of the woman has not been disclosed to protect her privacy.
