The Manpada police in Dombivali on Tuesday arrested a 42-year-old woman and two of her friends for allegedly cutting off her neighbour’s private parts. The woman has told the police the victim had been stalking her for the last two years, to the extent of telling her husband that he was in love with her.

The victim, Tushar Pujare (25), was admitted to AIMS Hospital in Dombivali (East) in an unconscious condition on Tuesday evening. The hospital authorities informed the Manpada police about his case, and a team was sent to the hospital.

“Mr. Pujare’s brother told us he was last seen with Tejas Mhatre, a resident of the same area in Vishnu Nagar as the Pujare family. Mr. Mhatre had come to the Pujare residence on Tuesday afternoon and the duo left together. We picked up Mr. Mhatre for inquiries,” police inspector Girish Gore said.

Mr Mhatre was questioned at length and allegedly confessed to having assaulted Mr. Pujare with the help of Pratik Keniya and Rachna Gotaskar, all residents of the same area. The police picked up the other two, and the trio allegedly confessed to the crime.

Harassed for two years

“Ms. Gotaskar said Mr. Pujare, who lives next door to her, had been harassing her for two years. More than once, despite her clear refusal, he tried to get physical with her. He even told her husband he was in love with her, causing severe marital discord,” an officer said.

Ms. Gotaskar allegedly decided to teach Mr. Pujare a lesson. She approached Mr. Mhatre and Mr. Keniya, who regard her as their sister, and told them about the harassment. The two men agreed to help her, the police said. “On Tuesday, Mr. Mhatre took Mr. Pujare to an open ground in Nandgaon Tekdi, saying he wanted to talk to him about something important. Once there, Mr. Mhatre and Mr. Keniya assaulted him. The two along with Ms. Gotaskar overpowered him and cut off his privates with a dagger,” Mr. Gore said.

The three accused have been charged with attempt to murder and assault.