Mass. Vape Store Owner Allegedly Sexually Assaults Customer

CONCORD, NH — A Bay State man who owns a tobacco store in the city has been arrested on assault charges, according to police. Virender Yadav, 61, of Salem, MA, was arrested on Sept. 6, 2017, on misdemeanor sexual assault and simple assault charges. On Sunday, a woman met with an investigator with the Concord Police Department and alleged that she was the victim of a sexual assault at a local shop, according to police.

Editor’s Note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Concord Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the name removal request process for NH Patch police reports.

The woman stated that while shopping at NY Tobacco & Vape on 132 Loudon Road, the owner of the business allegedly accosted her. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Concord NH Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

“The victim reported that while she was shopping at NY Tobacco & Vape, the owner, Yadav Virender, repeatedly hugged her, tried to kiss her, groped her, and thrust his groin against her body,” Lt. Sean Ford, the commander of the criminal investigation unit for the Concord Police Department, alleged. “The victim was able to leave the store and report the incident to police.”

Officers and detectives conducted an investigation – including eyeing video at the store – which reportedly “corroborated the victim’s allegations,” Ford noted in a press statement.

Virender was arrested and released on personal recognizance bail. He’s due in Concord District Court on Oct. 9.

Police are asking for any member of the public that might know about the incident or have any other information about the case to contact Ford at 603-225-8600 or the Concord Regional Crimeline 603-226-3100.