Pune: A 35-year-old shopkeeper in Mhalunge has been arrested after a young girl reported him for inappropriate behavior over the past three months.
The accused, Poonaram Motichand Choudhary, who runs Uttam Sweets, allegedly harassed the girl by giving her flying kisses and making obscene gestures while she waited for her school bus.
The incidents came to light during a "Good Touch Bad Touch" program at the girl's school, aimed at educating children on how to protect themselves from abuse.
The victim disclosed the behavior of the sweet shop owner during the session. Following this, her father filed a complaint with the Hinjewadi Police, leading to Choudhary's arrest.
According to the complaint, The suspect shopkeeper of Uttam Sweets would sit in his shop and give the schoolgirl flying kisses and make obscene gestures.
This harassment continued for the past three months. Recently, the school conducted a "Good Touch Bad Touch" program with the help of police officer Poonam Baravkar from the Wakad Police Station, to teach girls how to stay vigilant against the increasing incidents of abuse.
During this program, the victim mentioned that the uncle at the sweet shop had been behaving inappropriately with her as well.
The incidents occurred at Uttam Sweets in Mahalunge between June 1, 2024, and August 20, 2024. Choudhary is a resident of Kothadi Tehsil, Desuri, Pali District, Rajasthan.
Afterward, two female police officers went to the victim's home, took her father to Uttam Sweets, and the girl identified Poonaram Choudhary as the person who made the gestures. Her father filed a complaint at the Hinjewadi Police Station, and Sub-Inspector Zhol is investigating the case.
