Belagavi Woman Alleges Police Inaction in Serious Sexual Exploitation and Extortion Case
A 25-year-old woman from Shahapur has approached Belagavi City Police Commissioner Bhushan Borase with a shocking complaint, alleging that local police have failed to register her formal report involving grave charges of sexual exploitation, extortion, and criminal intimidation. The case highlights serious concerns about police responsiveness to victims of gender-based crimes.
Police Allegedly Refused to Register FIR Despite Evidence
In a detailed petition submitted on Sunday, the woman revealed that she first approached Shahapur police station on March 29 to lodge her complaint, but officers refused to register a First Information Report (FIR). She described a disturbing sequence of events where, on April 2, the accused actually produced her gold ornaments and mobile phone before the police, which she immediately identified as her property.
Instead of seizing these items as crucial evidence, the woman claims police returned them to the accused without her consent, raising serious questions about evidence handling procedures. This alleged action directly compromised potential forensic examination and legal proceedings.
Allegations of Police Pressure and Intimidation Tactics
The complainant further alleges that police personnel actively pressured her to settle the matter privately and refrain from pursuing legal action. When she refused this suggestion, officials allegedly intimidated her and warned that she would not receive justice through formal channels.
Even more disturbingly, she claims an individual approached her inside the police station premises and urged her to accept Rs 3 lakh as a settlement to drop the case entirely. This alleged incident occurring within a police facility suggests possible collusion or improper external influence.
Detailed Complaint Reveals Years of Exploitation
In her formal complaint filed at Shahapur police station, the woman accused 32-year-old Ishwarsingh Badgujar, a Belagavi resident, of prolonged sexual exploitation under the false pretext of marriage. She detailed how he allegedly recorded private photos and videos without her consent and used this intimate material to blackmail her over several years.
The financial exploitation allegations are particularly severe:
- Extortion of more than Rs 19 lakh in cash through various means
- Misappropriation of gold ornaments worth over Rs 25 lakh belonging to her and her family members
- Payment of Rs 8 lakh from her personal savings
- Withdrawal of Rs 7 lakh from her father's fixed deposit account
- Additional amounts borrowed from relatives and friends under coercion
Pattern of Manipulation and Continued Abuse
According to the complaint, the accused initially befriended the woman through social media in 2019, gradually gaining her trust before allegedly sexually assaulting her. He then reportedly threatened to release intimate content unless she complied with financial demands.
The woman alleges the accused used the extorted money to purchase vehicles while continuing to exploit her both physically and financially. The complaint also names his mother, brother Gurucharansingh, and cousin Harjitsingh Pothiwal as accomplices, accusing them of actively supporting and abetting these offences.
Victim Demands Immediate Action and Protection
Seeking urgent intervention, the woman has demanded four specific actions from authorities:
- Immediate registration of an FIR to formally initiate investigation
- Departmental action against police officers who allegedly mishandled her case
- Recovery of her valuable gold ornaments and other property
- Protection from further harassment and intimidation
Police Commissioner Bhushan Borase has assured the woman of appropriate legal action, though specific timelines or investigation details have not been publicly disclosed. The case continues to develop as authorities review the serious allegations against both the accused individuals and the police personnel involved.
