Updated on: 31 January 2023 17:48 PM IST | Mumbai
Santosh Satyapal | news@debotimes.in

The victim was returning home after work when the duo approached her and offered her help, an official said

A 20-year-old woman, on her way to her home, was allegedly raped by two men on the pretext of helping her to find an auto-rickshaw in Panvel, the police said.

The victim, who works at a bar, was waiting for an auto post at midnight when the duo approached her and told her that they would help her find an auto rickshaw. She began to walk with them, and sometime later they forcefully took her to an abandoned building and allegedly raped her. The police have arrested one accused and have launched a search for his accomplice, the police said.

According to police sources, on Saturday night, she came to Panvel after work with her friend and had dinner together. After having food, the man left. She later reached the New Panvel area to find an auto to reach her residence. Around 2 am, the accused approached her.

"The woman told them she was waiting for an auto, and in reply the men told her, they can help to get an auto as they know auto drivers around. They forcefully took her to an abandoned building and sexually assaulted her," said an official from Panvel City Police.

The victim reached out to the police and complained about the matter, sources said.

"As soon as a complaint was received, a team was formed to investigate the case. The officials managed to nab one of the suspects, identified as Avinash Chavhan, 22 from a nearby hutment. Search is on to get the other accused," the official added.