Navi Mumbai Shocker: APMC Police Arrest Man Within 18 Hours for Molesting Minor

The APMC Police Station arrested a 34-year-old man within 18 hours of allegedly molesting a 9-year-old girl. The incident took place at 1:30 a.m. on March 6, 2025, within the APMC police jurisdiction. Recognizing the gravity of the case, police responded fast, reached the crime scene, and promptly registered a case.

The accused, identified as Vinod Kumar Kedarnath Pandey, a resident of D-554, Vegetable Market, APMC, Navi Mumbai, originally from Gonda district, Uttar Pradesh, was arrested at 3:17 p.m. on the same day. Within just 18 hours of the incident, the police filed a chargesheet supported by strong evidence and presented him before the Special Sessions Court in Belapur. APMC police have also requested that the case be heard in a fast-track court to ensure swift justice.

Following the complaint, a case was registered under Sections 74 and 75(1)(i) of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 8 and 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, 2012. During the investigation, police recorded statements from the complainant and witnesses, documented the victim’s testimony before the court, conducted a medical examination, and carried out a thorough forensic and technical analysis of the crime scene.

“The accused was promptly arrested, medically examined, and all necessary legal procedures were completed in record time. Along with ensuring a strong legal case, the police also facilitated the victim’s access to government aid through the Manodhairya Scheme,” said an official from APMC Police Station. He added that the department’s swift action on the eve of International Women’s Day has reinforced women’s sense of security and ensured timely justice for the victim.