Kolhapur: The Hatkanangale police in rural Kolhapur have arrested a 22-year-old pharmacy degree student from a village near the city based on a complaint by a woman on Sunday. The woman accused him of sexually exploiting her over the last two years, recording their intimate videos and photos, and threatening to make them public.
Police Investigation
The police are also questioning the student's 30-year-old friend, who was detained from Karad, for allegedly aiding the crime. The complainant was pursuing her pharmacy diploma at the same institution where the suspect studied his pharmacy degree. The two had known each other since 2023. On Monday, the police produced the student before a court, which ordered his custodial remand until April 29.
Kolhapur Superintendent of Police Nilotpal Basu told TOI on Tuesday, "Another woman approached us today with a similar complaint against the arrested student. We are recording her statement and registering an FIR. We are verifying if the suspect has exploited other women similarly. His cell phone has been seized and handed over to forensic experts for analysis. We will seek a further extension of custodial remand on Wednesday."
Forensic Analysis
A police officer associated with the probe said, "A preliminary examination of the seized mobile phone indicated that no videos or photos have been circulated on social media, and they may have been deleted. The forensic analysis will help retrieve deleted content and reach a definitive conclusion."
Village Reaction
The student's arrest sparked sharp reactions in the village, where residents observed a bandh on Tuesday, demanding strict action against the perpetrator. A strong police team was deployed to prevent any untoward incidents. The village gram panchayat cut off water supply to the suspect's house, claiming it was illegal.
BJP's Kolhapur South MLA Amal Mahadik, who participated in a protest meeting in the village, said, "We will request Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate this matter thoroughly." When asked about the possibility of an SIT, SP Basu said, "It depends on the outcome of the ongoing investigation and whether more complaints come forward."
Charges Filed
The police have invoked charges under sections 64(2)(m) (rape), 75 and 76 (both related to outraging modesty), and 351 (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with sections 66(e) (violation of privacy) and 67(a) (transmitting obscene material electronically) of the IT Act 2000.
Initially, the Rajarampuri police station in Kolhapur city registered a zero FIR based on the woman's complaint and transferred it to the Hatkanangale police, as the alleged crime occurred in their jurisdiction. Assistant Police Inspector Sunil Gaikwad, who led the police deployment, said, "The villagers have demanded strict punishment for the accused and those who helped him in the crime."
