A 35-year-old man accused of sexually harassing a nine-year-old girl was beaten by a mob in Pardi on Monday night. He later died during treatment at Mayo Hospital on Tuesday afternoon. The deceased was identified as Narayandas Manmohandas Vaishnav, a resident of Shivnagar, Pardi. He was originally from Bhilai and had come to Nagpur for work. The incident took place near a Maskara Ganpati mandal in Shivnagar. A programme was underway and several children were playing near the pandal. According to the girl’s family, Vaishnav allegedly approached the girl and told her that her mother had asked her to stay at his house for some time.

 

The girl believed him and went with him. Police said Vaishnav allegedly took her inside his house and sexually harassed her. The girl resisted and bit his hand before managing to escape. She immediately returned to her family and told her mother what had happened. The news spread quickly. A crowd of around 70 to 80 people gathered outside Vaishnav’s house. Some people allegedly dragged him out and assaulted him with kicks and punches. Meanwhile, the girl’s grandfather reached Pardi Police Station and informed the police about the assault. Police rushed to the spot and called additional personnel after seeing the crowd. Vaishnav was found lying injured on the ground. Police said Vaishnav told them that around eight to 10 people had assaulted him.

 

The persons involved in the assault had left the spot by then. Vaishnav was rushed to Mayo Hospital for treatment. His statement was recorded at the hospital. Police registered a case against him under various sections of the BNS and the POCSO Act on the complaint of the girl's father. A separate case was also registered against eight to 10 persons for assaulting Vaishnav. The case was registered on the complaint of a head constable. Vaishnav died at around 2.30 pm on Tuesday during treatment. Police informed his brother about the death. An accidental death case has been registered for now as the exact cause of death is yet to be established. PI Nanda Mangate said the police would investigate the circumstances leading to Vaishnav’s death and the assault on him.