2 min readUpdated: Jul 14, 2026 04:44 PM IST
A family outing to the popular Bhavali waterfall in Igatpuri turned into a terrifying chase on Sunday after a group of men allegedly pursued the family’s car for over 10 km and vandalised it after they objected to the alleged harassment of a woman.
The family from Nashik had visited the Bhavali Dam and waterfall, which has been drawing heavy crowds following recent rains. According to police, the confrontation began after they questioned the group over the alleged harassment.
As the family drove away, the group allegedly followed them for nearly 10 to 12 km before intercepting the vehicle and smashing its windows. Fearing for their lives, the family did not stop until they reached the Ambad Police Station in Nashik city, where they lodged a complaint.
Since the alleged offence took place within the limits of Igatpuri Police Station, the case was later transferred there for investigation.
The nine detained are residents of villages in and around Igatpuri and are known to each other. (Express photo)
Addressing a press conference on Monday, Nashik Rural Superintendent of Police D. S. Swami said the Crime Branch and local police identified the accused through technical analysis and video footage.
Nine people, all residents of villages in and around Igatpuri, have been arrested so far. Police said one of them is a history-sheeter with a murder case registered against him in 2020.
Three alleged accomplices — Kailas Bhagade, Akash Bhoir and Tushar Kadu — remain absconding.
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Police said the complainants had initially identified seven to eight assailants. During the investigation, officers also identified people who allegedly sheltered the accused or helped them evade arrest, and they too have been booked.
Swami said there were two separate confrontations that day. The first took place near the dam, where a police outpost was present. The second, and more serious, occurred several kilometres away when the accused allegedly caught up with the family’s vehicle.
Police control room personnel had attempted to contact the complainants through the 112 emergency response system, but by then the family had already driven towards Nashik city.
