Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Manhunt Underway After Cab Driver Accused of Molesting Passenger
A woman took a cab home after going to a party in Chembur.
Her destination was in Panvel.
She said the driver stopped on a quiet road near the Navi Mumbai International Airport to drink water.
Police said he then moved to the back seat and tried to assault and undress her.
The woman struggled and escaped.
She contacted her family and reached home.
She first went to Panvel police, who took her to the Navi Mumbai Airport police station because it had jurisdiction.
Police are searching for the accused driver, Mohammad Afzal Shaikh.
A woman said a cab driver assaulted and allegedly molested her while she was returning from a party.
The incident occurred early Sunday, September 6, with reports placing the time at about 1 a.m. or 1:30 a.m.
The woman had traveled from Mumbai’s Chembur area toward her home in Panvel.
Police said the driver stopped near the Navi Mumbai International Airport on the pretext of drinking water.
Police launched a manhunt after the woman filed a complaint, and the accused driver had not been reported arrested.
- Who
- A woman passenger and cab driver Mohammad Afzal Shaikh, whom she accused of assault, molestation and attempting to disrobe her.
- What
- The woman reported that the driver stopped the cab, moved to the rear seat, grabbed her hand and allegedly attempted to assault and remove her clothes.
- When
- Early Sunday, September 6; the reports state approximately 1 a.m. and 1:30 a.m.
- Where
- On the Airport Service Road, about 2 kilometers from the Navi Mumbai International Airport, during a trip from Chembur toward Panvel.
- Why
- The woman contacted police and filed a complaint after escaping and reaching home.
- Alleged offences
- Assault, molestation and attempted disrobing of a female passenger
- Reported time
- Around 1 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 6
- Journey
- From Mumbai’s Chembur area to the woman’s residence in Panvel
- Reported location
- Airport Service Road, about 2 kilometers from Navi Mumbai International Airport
- Driver’s alleged pretext
- He stopped the cab to drink water
- Complaint route
- The woman went to Panvel police before being escorted to Navi Mumbai Airport police
- Police action
- A manhunt was launched to trace and arrest the accused driver
