Pune, Feb 18 (NationPress) Tension engulfed Baramati in Maharashtra's Pune district when a 21-year-old woman was reportedly abducted in front of her mother and brother by assailants who sprayed chilli powder into their eyes before forcing her into a vehicle, officials confirmed on Wednesday.

The shocking incident unfolded on Tuesday evening within the jurisdiction of the Bhigwan police station in Indapur Taluka.

According to police reports, the nature of this crime sparked outrage among local residents, resulting in protests, a temporary blockade of the highway, and the burning of tyres.

Additionally, local markets were closed on Wednesday as a form of protest against the incident.

The victim's family filed an FIR stating that the abduction occurred around 4 p.m. on February 17.

“At approximately 4 p.m. on February 17, two Muslim youths confronted a girl, her mother, and her brother while they were returning home from behind the Anand Hotel in the area. During this encounter, the assailants threw red chilli powder into the eyes of the victim's mother and brother, forcibly abducting the girl in a four-wheeler,” the FIR detailed.

The suspects have been identified as Zaheer Haroon Sheikh and Ayan Haroon Sheikh, and a kidnapping case has been registered at the Bhigwan police station.

In the wake of the alleged abduction, the victim's family, relatives, and villagers rallied outside the Bhigwan police station, demanding prompt action.

The protest escalated tensions in the area, as a large crowd remained outside the police station until late into the night.

Protesters also temporarily blocked the Pune-Solapur National Highway by burning tyres, causing significant disruptions to vehicular traffic. Furthermore, shops in the local market were closed in solidarity against the incident.

Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Additional Superintendent of Police Ganesh Biradar visited the scene and took over the investigation.

He stated that police teams have established checkpoints at key exit routes, including major roads and toll plazas across the district, to apprehend the suspects. An additional team has been assigned to search for the abducted woman.

Officials noted that the incident has instilled fear within the Bhigwan community. To prevent further unrest, the police released a video message urging citizens to maintain calm and assist with the investigation.

Authorities are actively working to locate the abducted woman and capture the perpetrators.

The investigation is ongoing, and more details are anticipated soon.