Maharashtra police are now investigating a Baramati ‘kidnapping’ from the perspective of a secret love affair after the supposed victim released a video debunking the entire narrative. The case, which sparked riots and roadblocks, appears to stem from a consensual departure rather than coercion.
In her clear and composed video message, 21-year-old Vaishnavi Raju Thorat set the record straight: ‘I’m Vaishnavi Raju Thorat, in a relationship with Zaheer Sheikh for nine years. Yesterday, I left willingly—no force, no kidnap. Rumors are baseless.’
Reported on February 17 around 4 PM in Bhigwan, the family claimed two Muslim youths—Zaheer Harun Sheikh and Ayan Harun Sheikh—attacked them with chili powder in front of Anand Hotel, abducting Vaishnavi. The FIR triggered immediate backlash.
Villagers, relatives, and locals stormed the police station, their anger manifesting in tire-burning blockades on the Pune-Solapur highway and a full market shutdown the next day. The scene remained charged well into the night, with persistent demands for justice.
Vaishnavi’s intervention has transformed the probe. Officers are delving into the romantic history, potential family involvement, and motives behind the initial complaint. This shift highlights how misinformation can fuel communal tensions in rural India.
Beyond the immediate resolution, the episode prompts reflection on youth autonomy, interfaith relationships, and the perils of mob justice. As facts emerge, it reinforces the need for measured responses to family disputes that masquerade as crimes.
Police have called for restraint, promising a thorough examination to uncover the full truth while preventing further escalation.