Lonavala: Policeman On Duty Abuses 5-Year-Old Girl in Lohagad Fort Area
Lonavala, 26th December 2024: In a shocking incident that has sparked widespread outrage, a policeman on duty in the Lohagad-Visapur Fort area of Maval taluka, Pune district, allegedly sexually assaulted a five-year-old girl on Christmas Day.
The Lonavala Rural Police Station has registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Atrocity Act, and Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) based on a complaint filed by the victim’s relatives. The accused cop has been detained and suspended pending further investigation.
The accused, identified as Sachin Vasant Saste (43), is a resident of Mohamadwadi, Hadapsar, Pune, and originally hails from Jejuri in Purandar taluka. Saste was temporarily deployed from police headquarters to provide additional security in the Lonavala region during the holiday season, a time when the area sees a significant influx of tourists celebrating Christmas and New Year.
The incident reportedly occurred while the minor was playing near the Lohagad-Visapur Fort, a popular tourist destination. According to the girl’s relatives, the accused policeman took advantage of his position and committed the heinous act.
The incident has sparked outrage among locals and tourists, who have expressed their dismay over the betrayal of public trust. The victim’s relatives, who had offered food to the policeman out of compassion, are devastated by the betrayal. “When those meant to protect become predators, where can we seek justice?” a family member asked.
The family and community are calling for strict action against the policeman, demanding that justice be served swiftly to restore faith in the system. “The police department must take immediate steps to ensure no such incident happens again,” said a concerned local.
Lonavala Sub-Divisional Police Officer Rajendra Mayne is leading the investigation.
