Minor assaulted, women robbed at knifepoint on Pune highway, 2 suspects on the run

A 17-year-old girl was sexually assaulted, and a group of women were robbed at knifepoint on Pune-Solapur Highway early on Monday morning when a family group traveling to Pandharpur fell victim to two armed assailants. Following the incident near Bhigwan, the two suspects are now absconding.

The victims, seven individuals in an Eco vehicle including a 70-year-old driver, three women, a 17-year-old girl and two 17-year-old boys, had pulled over at the roadside when the attack occurred.

Brandishing a sharp weapon, the two men robbed the women of their gold jewellery. One of the attackers then sexually assaulted the 17-year-old girl.

The family managed to reach a nearby village where, with the help of locals, they reported the crime. A case has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act at the Bhigwan Police Station, including both the sexual assault of the minor and the armed robbery.

Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh confirmed the incident and the ongoing investigation. "We are checking technical evidence like nearby CCTV footage. The medical examination of the victim is also underway," said SP Singh.

Authorities are actively pursuing the two accused individuals, who remain absconding despite an intensified police search.

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