Daijiworld Media Network - Palghar

Palghar, Jun 13: A 27-year-old woman employed at a government office was critically injured after being attacked with a sickle by a court employee in Maharashtra's Palghar district on Friday evening.

The accused, identified as Amol Mule, a court peon, is currently absconding. Police have launched a search operation and set up checkpoints across the area to trace him.

According to police, the incident occurred at around 6.15 pm when the victim, Snehal Sawant, an employee of the revenue department at the Palghar district collector's office, was walking along a road.

Investigators said the accused allegedly approached her from behind and attacked her with a sickle. He reportedly struck her multiple times, inflicting severe injuries to her neck, back, shoulders and waist.

Police said the attacker continued assaulting the woman even after she fell to the ground before fleeing the scene.

The entire incident was captured on a nearby CCTV camera. Authorities said the accused abandoned his bag and the weapon used in the attack before escaping.

A passer-by spotted the injured woman lying on the road and alerted others. Within minutes, several people gathered at the spot and assisted in shifting her to a nearby hospital.

Sawant was initially admitted to a rural hospital in Palghar but was later referred to another medical facility due to the seriousness of her injuries. Her condition remains critical, police said.

Following the incident, police personnel rushed to the scene and began an investigation. A forensic team also visited the location and collected evidence.

Yatish Deshmukh visited the scene to review the investigation and assess the situation.

Police said the motive behind the attack is yet to be established and further inquiries are underway.

Efforts are continuing to locate and apprehend the accused, who has been on the run since the incident.