A 31-year-old MBA-educated woman was brutally assaulted by a mob in Malwani on Thursday evening after being mistakenly suspected of being a child kidnapper. The incident occurred in the Malwani Church locality when the woman, a resident of Charkop who works with a private firm, visited the area to meet a close friend and convey New Year greetings. However, she was left confused when her friend’s mobile phone was switched off and the house was found locked, leaving her unsure of the exact address.

Suspicion turns violent

While asking for directions, the woman inadvertently entered a nearby slum pocket, where her presence immediately aroused suspicion. Within minutes, a rumour spread among locals that she was a “child lifter”, triggering panic and outrage. Before she could explain herself, residents allegedly caught hold of her and began assaulting her. Despite repeatedly pleading with the crowd and urging them to call the police, her cries went unheard as the mob grew larger and more aggressive.