Pune: Over 500 Protest Outside Vishrantwadi Police Station Over Alleged Sexual Assault of 12-Year-Old
Vishrantwadi, 28th September 2026: More than 500 people gathered outside the Vishrantwadi police station on Sunday night to protest the alleged sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl by her neighbour and demand action in the case.
The protesters staged a sit-in at a junction near the Yerawada Regional Mental Hospital, resulting in a traffic blockade. The protest affected vehicular movement on Pune-Alandi Road and Jail Road, with congestion also extending towards the airport road.
Police have already arrested a 52-year-old neighbour in connection with the case. According to police, the accused is a contractual employee of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). The case was registered on September 22 after the girl’s mother lodged a complaint.
The police initially registered a case based on the complaint. After receiving the girl’s medical report, they added charges under the relevant rape provision and invoked provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The protest was organised after some citizens expressed concern that the initial charges were not stringent enough. A large number of people subsequently gathered outside the police station and demanded stronger action against the accused.
Police officials said that after receiving the medical report, they recorded supplementary statements from the girl and her mother. Based on the findings, Section 65(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was added to the case, along with relevant provisions of the POCSO Act.
The protesters began leaving the area around 9 pm. Police subsequently cleared the blockade and worked to restore traffic movement. Vehicular movement returned to normal by around 9.30 pm, and police said the situation was under control.
