Daijiworld Media Network - Raigad
Raigad, Jan 27: Even as loud claims are made about women empowerment, safety and dignity, incidents of atrocities against women continue unabated, exposing the grim reality on the ground. A shocking case from Raigad district — the home district of Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare — has once again raised serious concerns over women’s safety in rural areas.
The incident occurred on January 22, 2026, at around 4.30 pm, in a forested area near Belwadi village under Roha police station limits. According to police, a widow from the village had gone to the nearby forest to collect firewood for household use when a man from the same village allegedly took advantage of her being alone and molested her.
Police said the accused approached the woman while she was gathering firewood, suddenly caught hold of her hand and made a highly derogatory and objectionable remark, saying, “Your husband is dead, so what now?” He then forcibly pulled her towards him and committed an act that outraged her modesty and dignity.
The victim was left severely shaken and traumatised by the incident. Showing courage, she later approached Roha police station and lodged a complaint. Based on her statement, police registered Crime No. 17/2026 under Section 74 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, against the accused.
Further investigation in the case is being carried out by Woman Police Sub-Inspector Patil.
The incident has triggered strong anger and outrage in the area. Local residents have questioned how women can feel safe when such crimes are occurring in the very district represented by the state’s Women and Child Development Minister. Villagers, social activists and women’s organisations have expressed concern that women’s safety exists only on paper, while ground realities remain alarming.
Residents pointed out that women in rural areas are compelled to step out daily for essential work such as collecting firewood, working in fields or going for daily-wage labour. The repeated targeting of women even during such routine activities has raised serious questions about societal failure and administrative inaction.
Villagers have demanded immediate and strict action against the accused, justice for the victim, and concrete measures to ensure women’s safety in rural areas. The incident, they said, is not limited to one woman but reflects a larger threat to the safety and dignity of women across Raigad district.