Former Nashik Mayor Faces Rape Charges in Ahilyanagar Police Case
The MIDC police station in Ahilyanagar has officially registered a serious case of rape and criminal intimidation against a former mayor of Nashik city. This action comes in response to a formal complaint filed by a 25-year-old woman who resides in Shirur, located in the Pune district.
Accused Former Mayor Currently Absconding
Senior police officers from the Ahilyanagar jurisdiction have confirmed that the whereabouts of the accused former mayor are presently unknown. Law enforcement agencies are actively engaged in efforts to track down and apprehend the individual, who is facing severe allegations under multiple legal provisions.
The MIDC police have formally charged the accused under Section 64, which pertains to the punishment for rape, and Section 351, addressing criminal intimidation, as per the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Additionally, the First Information Report (FIR) includes relevant sections of the Information Technology (IT) Act, highlighting the digital dimensions of this case.
Complaint Details and Allegations
According to the police statement, the complaint was officially registered early on Saturday. The victim reported that she initially connected with the former mayor through social media platforms. She obtained his contact number with the intention of inquiring whether he could assist her in securing employment opportunities.
However, the situation took a dark turn when the man allegedly used the pretext of offering her a job in Ahilyanagar. The complaint states that he raped her on multiple occasions. These incidents reportedly occurred at Vilad Ghat in Ahilyanagar and also at a hotel in Shirur on February 18 of this year.
Serious Threats and Digital Exploitation
The complainant further alleged that the former mayor engaged in physical acts without her consent. In a particularly distressing development, he is accused of filming these encounters without permission. He then allegedly threatened to circulate the video online, using this as leverage to intimidate the woman.
Even more alarmingly, the complaint details that the accused threatened to harm the woman's daughter if she did not comply with his demands. This adds a layer of criminal intimidation to the already grave charges of sexual assault.
Investigation Transferred to Higher Authorities
Deputy Superintendent of Police Shirish Vamane provided clarification regarding the investigative process. He explained that the case has been handed over to the inspector of the Tofkhana police station for a thorough investigation. This transfer is necessary because the FIR includes sections under the IT Act, which mandate that such cases be investigated by officers holding at least the rank of inspector.
The in-charge officer at the MIDC police station, where the FIR was originally registered, holds the rank of assistant inspector. Therefore, to ensure proper procedural adherence and a comprehensive inquiry, the investigation has been escalated to the appropriate higher-ranking official.
This case underscores the critical importance of addressing crimes involving digital exploitation and the abuse of power by public figures. The police are urging anyone with information about the accused's location to come forward as they continue their search.
