Surat: Utran police have booked the owner of a gymnasium for allegedly drugging and attempting to molest a 33-year-old woman, the wife of a city-based doctor, after blackmailing her with her personal photos.According to police, the woman had developed a muscle cramp during a trekking trip with family and friends. On medical advice, she joined a gym in Mota Varachha, where she had been exercising for over a year. After a break due to pregnancy, she resumed workouts in December 2022 at Oxygen Gym and Fitness Centre, owned by the accused, Sudhir Paghdal.In May 2023, Paghdal allegedly sent her workout photos via Instagram and threatened to make them viral unless she agreed to exercise privately with him. Fearing family distress, the woman initially remained silent, but the accused continued to harass her through WhatsApp messages.During Navratri 2023, Paghdal invited her to collect garba passes. When she arrived, he allegedly offered her a cold drink laced with sedatives and then tried to disrobe and touch her inappropriately. The woman managed to resist and left the premises.She later confided in her husband, who confronted Paghdal. However, the harassment continued. On May 2, Paghdal reportedly made obscene comments during a public event, prompting the woman to finally file a complaint.Paghdal has been booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for sexual harassment, attempted disrobing, administering sedatives with criminal intent, making obscene remarks in public, and criminal intimidation.
