In a dramatic development in Akola, the municipal corporation deployed bulldozers to demolish a cosmetics shop named 'Pari Bindi Ghar' on Gandhi Road, just twenty-four hours after a woman lodged a police complaint alleging repeated rape and blackmail at the establishment. The civic body served a four-hour evacuation notice to the shop owners, citing encroachment on public land as the reason for the demolition.
Police Action and Arrests
City Kotwali police station in-charge, Sanjay Gawai, confirmed to TOI that all four accused individuals have been arrested in connection with the case. The swift police response followed the serious allegations made by the survivor.
Details of the Complaint
The rape survivor, a resident of Dabki Road, filed her complaint on Tuesday at the City Kotwali police station. She alleged that she was repeatedly raped at Pari Bindi Ghar after being threatened that her obscene videos would be made viral. The FIR named Rehman alias Mohammed Mustafa Salim Teli, Mohammed Ibrahim alias Babu Salim Teli, Ibrahim (a garage owner), and Chandu Wankhede as the accused.
According to the complaint, the cosmetics unit owner, Mohammad Salim Teli, allegedly molested her inside the shop, recorded an obscene video, and later used the clip to coerce her into a physical relationship. Other accused individuals also reportedly used blackmail as a tool to sexually assault her, highlighting a pattern of exploitation.
Demolition and Civic Response
Officials of the Akola Municipal Corporation stated that the demolition was carried out strictly in accordance with the law and intended to serve as a deterrent to criminals. The demolition squad not only razed Pari Bindi Ghar but also cleared other encroachments in the vicinity, located barely 150 feet away from the Kotwali police station.
Political Pressure and Protests
While the civic body claimed the bulldozer action on Wednesday was necessary to send a strong message, sources revealed to TOI that Hindutva groups had been mounting pressure on civic officials to act. This pressure followed unconfirmed reports suggesting the woman was raped and forced to convert, adding a communal dimension to the incident.
Earlier, women activists from organizations such as Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, and Shiv Sena (UBT) led protests at the City Kotwali police station and later at the office of the superintendent of police. They demanded strict punishment for the accused, reflecting growing public outrage over the case.
Community Reaction and Questions
Residents of Akola expressed mixed reactions to the demolition. Some questioned why the cosmetics parlour, alleged to be an encroachment, was allowed to operate for over thirty years if it was indeed illegal. This has raised concerns about the timing and motives behind the civic action, with critics suggesting it may be more politically driven than purely administrative.
The incident has sparked a broader debate in Akola about law enforcement, civic accountability, and the handling of sexual assault cases. As the investigation continues, authorities emphasize their commitment to justice, while the community watches closely for further developments.
