Woman Passenger Molested by Cab Driver Near Navi Mumbai Airport; Manhunt Launched
A woman travelling from Chembur to Panvel was allegedly molested and subjected to an attempted assault by a cab driver on a secluded road near Navi Mumbai Airport. The passenger managed to escape after the driver stopped under the pretext of drinking water. Police registered a case against Mohammad Afzal Shaikh and launched a technical manhunt to arrest him.
A woman passenger was allegedly molested and subjected to an attempted assault by a cab driver on a deserted road near Navi Mumbai Airport late at night, Navi Mumbai Police said on Sunday, September 6. According to police, the incident took place around 1:30 am on the Airport Service Road, approximately two kilometres from Navi Mumbai Airport.
The victim had attended a party in Chembur, following which a friend booked a cab for her journey home to Panvel, Mid Day reported. While en route, the driver pulled over on a secluded stretch, claiming that he needed to drink water, police said. ‘Sit Quietly or I Will Kill You’: Bike Taxi Driver Arrested for Molesting Woman Passenger During Ride in Delhi’s Rohini.
Woman Passenger Molested by Cab Driver Near Navi Mumbai Airport
Describing the sequence of events on the deserted stretch, law enforcement officials detailed how the driver initiated the attack. "The driver stopped the vehicle on the deserted service road, stepped out briefly, and then re-entered the car, sitting on the rear seat next to the woman. He allegedly grabbed her hand and attempted to disrobe her," a Navi Mumbai Police official said.
The woman managed to break free from the accused before escaping from the vehicle, prompting the driver to flee the scene. Hyderabad Airport Cab Driver Arrested for Rape of Airline Cabin Crew Member While Driving Her to Duty.
Following the incident, the victim contacted her family and reached Panvel Police Station to register a complaint. As the place of occurrence fell under the jurisdiction of Navi Mumbai Airport Police Station, Panvel Police escorted her to the appropriate police station.
Based on the woman's complaint, Navi Mumbai Airport Police registered a case against the accused, identified as Mohammad Afzal Shaikh, under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police have launched a manhunt to arrest the accused and are using technical intelligence to track his whereabouts. Further investigation into the matter is underway.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 07, 2026 03:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
