The Kolhapur police on Wednesday constituted a special investigation team (SIT) following the registration of a second rape and sexual harassment case against a 22-year-old pharmacy degree student, based on a complaint filed by another woman. The accused had been arrested on April 26 in the first case and was in police custody, which ended on Wednesday.
SIT Headed by Additional SP
Additional Superintendent of Police B Dheeraj Kumar will lead the SIT, as per an order issued by Kolhapur Superintendent of Police (SP) Nilotpal Basu. Deputy SPs Priya Patil and Amol Thakur will assist Kumar. The team also includes two police inspectors, a woman assistant police inspector, a woman police sub-inspector, and six police constables.
Arrest of Accomplice
In a related development, the police arrested the pharma student's friend, aged 30, also from the same village near Kolhapur city, in connection with the first case registered by the Hatkanangale police. The case involves allegations of sexual exploitation of the complainant over the last two years, including filming intimate moments and threatening to circulate the videos on social media. On Wednesday, the two suspects were produced before a court in Peth Vadgaon, which ordered their custodial remand until May 4.
NCW Takes Suo Motu Cognisance
The National Commission for Women (NCW) took suo motu cognisance of the case and issued a statement asking the Maharashtra Director General of Police (DGP) to ensure stringent action, arrest all accused and accomplices, and conduct a thorough cyber forensic investigation. The commission has sought details regarding victim protection, counseling, medical assistance, rehabilitation support, and measures to prevent blackmail and exploitation. It has requested an action taken report within seven days.
Second Case Registered
Police stated that the second case has been registered with the Shahupuri police in Kolhapur city. Charges under sections 354-A (sexual harassment), 376 (rape), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code have been invoked, as the alleged crime occurred before the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) came into effect on July 1, 2024.
Rationale for SIT Formation
A release from the Kolhapur police explained, "The SIT has been set up considering that in both cases the victims are women, the crime is of a serious and sensitive nature, and requires a deeper investigation to collect strong evidence against the accused."
