Pune: A 41-year-old woman in Bibwewadi was targeted by a thief while she was speaking outside her home late Tuesday (October 15) night.

The accused, Bharat Badgujar (28), attempted to forcibly steal her gold necklace, but when the woman resisted, he assaulted her and tried to molest her by pulling her blouse, police reports reveal.

The Bibwewadi Police have arrested the accused, who has a history of 19 criminal charges, including attempted murder.

According to police sources, the incident occurred around 11 PM when the complainant was talking with her brother. Bharat Badgujar suddenly approached and struck the complainant's brother on the head and face. He then forcibly grabbed the woman's necklace, trying to snatch it.

However, the woman fought back and caught his hand. In retaliation, Bharat assaulted her, pulling her blouse and tearing its buttons in a manner that violated her dignity.

Police records indicate that Bharat Badgujar has been involved in criminal activities since his teenage years. His criminal history includes charges such as attempted murder, robbery, assault, and illegal liquor sales, totaling 19 cases.

Following the incident, Police Sub-Inspector Shashank Jadhav led the arrest, and an investigation is currently underway.

Recently, in another incident reported from the Kothrud area, an elderly woman was drugged with sedatives mixed in lemonade, leading to the theft of her gold jewelry, cash, and mobile phone, totaling ₹1.56 lakh. The Alankar Police have registered a case against a woman suspect named Sonali, who is accused of carrying out the robbery.