Gurugram Woman Abducted From Leopard Trail, Rescued After Dramatic Police Chase

Gurugram: A 23-year-old woman was abducted from Leopard Trail, a popular picnic spot in the Aravalli hills, in the early hours of Sunday and later rescued following a high-speed police chase, officials said on January 27.

The accused, identified as Gaurav Bhati (25), a local food vendor operating in the area, allegedly forced the woman into a borrowed Scorpio SUV and drove around Gurugram for nearly an hour while police tracked the vehicle. The woman was rescued after the SUV got stuck in muddy terrain, following which the accused fled the spot. He was arrested later.

How the abduction unfolded

According to police, the woman had visited Leopard Trail late Saturday night with a male colleague. The two arrived around 1.30 am and were sitting inside their car when Bhati allegedly approached them and began harassing them.

When the duo objected, a heated argument broke out. Police said the accused then snatched the woman’s mobile phone and ran towards a Scorpio SUV. As the woman chased him to retrieve her phone, Bhati allegedly grabbed her, forced her into the vehicle, locked the doors and sped away. Her colleague attempted to intervene but was pushed aside.

Rescue after SUV gets stuck

Police were alerted immediately and launched a chase across the city. After nearly an hour, the Scorpio got stuck in mud in a secluded area, allowing police to rescue the woman safely. The accused managed to flee initially but was arrested shortly after.

Charges and investigation

Bhati has been booked under charges of kidnapping and snatching, police said. Officials added that sexual assault charges may be invoked after the woman records her statement before a magistrate.

The incident has raised fresh concerns over safety at late-night picnic spots around Gurugram, particularly along the Leopard Trail stretch, which has witnessed similar complaints in the past.

Police said further investigation is underway to determine whether others were involved and to examine the accused’s criminal background.