The incident, captured on CCTV, has triggered widespread outrage after the footage went viral on social media.
The incident took place at around 11:07 am on October 10 at a Shiva temple in the Nigdi area of Pimpri-Chinchwad city.
CCTV captures assault inside temple
The CCTV footage shows the girl offering prayers inside the temple. As she finishes her prayers and prepares to leave, the accused enters the premises wearing an orange work jacket, reportedly used by construction-site workers.
After noticing that the girl was alone, the man allegedly grabs her by the hand and attempts to molest her.
The girl appears frightened but manages to push him away following a brief struggle.
The accused is then seen leaving the temple, bringing the recorded sequence to an end.
The footage subsequently circulated widely online, drawing sharp reactions from social media users and local residents.
Accused identified, POCSO case registered
The accused has been identified as Vishal Singh, a migrant contract labourer employed at a metro construction site, according to reports.
Senior Inspector Mahesh Bansode said the Nigdi police acted promptly after learning about the incident and detained the accused.
A case has been registered at the Nigdi police station under relevant provisions relating to molestation and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Bansode said.
The incident has sparked anger among local residents, with the CCTV footage intensifying calls for strict action against the accused.