NASHIK: What began as a family outing to the picturesque Bhavli dam turned into a nightmare for a Nashik family. They allege they were chased, attacked and terrorised for nearly 15km by a group of men after objecting to comments passed at women and girls in the group. Four days after the July 12 incident, Kiran Bhagwat and his family members say the fear still lingers as they recount how a minor altercation spiralled into a violent pursuit that ended only when they reached a police station.“After the two youths passed some comments, we reprimanded them and asked them to behave. They left the spot, and we thought the matter had ended,” Bhagwat told TOI.But the family’s ordeal was only beginning. As they returned to their vehicle parked near the dam backwaters, they were confronted by another group of men. “These men were in a kind of vehicle that is used to sell some goods around tourist spots. They questioned us about how we could hit the boys from their village. We argued. The matter seemed settled, and we left the place,” Bhagwat said.According to him, the family had travelled barely 8km when they realised they were being chased. “Everyone in the car was scared. They were chasing us at high speed and intercepting us at every junction. How is it possible that such people can move around without any fear of law?” Bhagwat asked. He alleged that men on motorcycles and in a car followed them, hurled abuses and threw sticks at their vehicle.The most frightening moment came when the attackers allegedly began blocking their path on the highway.“At one point they tried to block our path. Fearing that they would attack us again, I took a U-turn and took the Mumbai lane. However, one of the attackers lunged onto our moving car, attempting to drag my brother out. I had to ensure that my brother was protected and, at the same time, the attacker did not fall off, as that could have led to an unfortunate incident. He eventually did fall off the car,” Bhagwat recalled.“Realising that returning meant driving back towards the mob, I again turned back and directly went to the Ambad police station to lodge a complaint,” he said.Bhagwat alleged the attack was organised and premeditated. “We feel this is not an isolated event. The people who attacked us already had rods and sticks. People do not attack someone in full public view without the fear of law. They must have political backing,” he said.An FIR has been registered under charges including outraging a woman’s modesty, attempt to murder and rioting. The police have so far arrested 12 people, including two accused with murder cases registered against them. Bhagwat said he shared his concerns with the investigating officers and Nashik city mayor Himguari Aher-Adke when she visited her family on Thursday.Nashik Rural superintendent of police D S Swami said the investigation was being expanded beyond the individuals initially named in the complaint. “The police are tracing everyone involved directly or indirectly with the crime. We have also increased security around the Bhavli dam, and efforts would be made to coordinate with telecom companies to improve mobile coverage in the area,” he said.Bhagwat also raised concerns about safety at the tourist spot, pointing out that mobile network coverage remains unavailable for 7-8km around parts of the dam, leaving visitors vulnerable during emergencies.Police said additional security measures have been introduced in the area and efforts are being made to ensure tourists can continue visiting the Bhavli dam without fear.