4 held for assault, molestation of Nalasopara woman

Two days after dna reported that a Nalasopara woman was allegedly assaulted and stripped off her clothes on a busy street by a group of hoodlums, the Thane rural police on Monday swung into action and arrested four people. However, the main accused and externed criminal, Ravi Bidlan, managed to escape.

A gang of 60 policemen took into custody gang leader Pawan Bidlan, 32, his wife Poonam, sister Sheela and his brother Pankaj, all residents of Achole Dongri. Locals dread the Bidlans, who face many cases.

"Pawan's externment order has been revoked, while Ravi's externment order continues to be in force. When we reached their place to nab Ravi, his brother assaulted our staff and helped Ravi escape," said Ravindra Badguzar, senior Inspector, Nalasopara police station.

"I was so tense the whole day after the Nalasopara police took my statement. They have assured me that I would be safe. Locals fear to come forward to speak against the Bidlan gang," said the 32-year-old woman.

On June 23, Ravi Bidlan had allegedly slapped the woman and tore off her clothes in broad daylight when she was walking along Gala Nagar Road with her nephew.