Kolhapur: Four Arrested in Rape and Blackmail Case
Kolhapur: In a disturbing incident, four men aged between 22 and 29 were arrested on Tuesday for allegedly raping a 19-year-old woman and threatening to circulate her morphed images on social media. The case was registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 64(1), 64(2), 74, and 75, which pertain to rape, outraging modesty, and sexual harassment. The arrests were made by the Murgud police station.
Details of the Crime
According to Assistant Inspector Kranti Patil, the victim initially came into contact with the accused through social media platforms. Three of the men allegedly raped her on one occasion, while the fourth man is accused of raping her multiple times over a period of ten months. The accused had been blackmailing the woman by promising to delete the morphed images, thereby forcing her into a sexual relationship.
The police presented all four accused before the court on Tuesday, which granted the authorities four days of custody for further investigation. “We are investigating further,” Patil said.
Legal Proceedings
The victim’s complaint highlights the prolonged nature of the abuse, spanning nearly a year. The police are now working to gather digital evidence and trace the origins of the morphed images. The accused face serious charges under the BNS, and the investigation is ongoing.
This case underscores the risks of social media exploitation and the importance of stringent laws to protect victims. The authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward.
