In a case that sheds light on the misuse of social media platforms to exploit women, the Nagpur Police have arrested a 42-year-old man accused of deceiving multiple women under the pretext of love, marriage, and financial assistance.
The accused, Kalpesh Shashikant Kakkad, a resident of Kandivali in Mumbai, was apprehended by Jaripatka Police following a Zero FIR transferred from the Pune Crime Branch. According to officials, Kakkad allegedly sexually assaulted, extorted, and blackmailed several women after gaining their trust online.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the accused operated across multiple states, including Maharashtra and Telangana, targeting women through fake promises and emotional manipulation.
Victim Lured Through Facebook; Drugged, Assaulted and Blackmailed
The case reportedly began with a Facebook friend request. A 47-year-old woman from Nagpur’s Jaripatka area became one of the accused’s victims after developing an online relationship with him. Kalpesh Shashikant Kakkad allegedly gained her trust through prolonged conversations, which eventually led to an engagement (Sakharpuda).
In January 2024, Kakkad visited the victim’s residence, where he allegedly spiked her drink with sedatives and sexually assaulted her. Following the incident, he convinced the woman and her brother to invest in the stock market, promising high returns, and defrauded them of Rs 12 lakh.
When the woman began questioning him, Kakkad allegedly became aggressive and used intimate photos and videos stored on his phone to blackmail her. He also repeatedly delayed the promised marriage under various pretexts.
Crimes Span Multiple States; More Victims Suspected
Kalpesh Shashikant Kakkad has been booked under several stringent sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 376 (rape), 376(2)(N) (repeated rape), 328 (causing harm by means of poison or intoxicating substances), and 420 (cheating).
Nagpur police have secured a three-day custody remand to interrogate the accused. Meanwhile, Hyderabad police are also preparing to seek his custody in connection with similar cases registered there.
Digital Evidence Uncovers Pattern of Abuse
During the investigation, police recovered several explicit photos and videos from the accused’s mobile phone, suggesting that he may have targeted multiple women across states. Authorities believe more victims may still be unreported.
The case is drawing increasing attention, with calls from cybercrime experts and women’s rights advocates for a broader investigation. Officials say the digital evidence points to a potential nationwide fraud and abuse network orchestrated through social media platforms.
The bigger question: How many more like Kalpesh Kakkad?
The arrest of Kalpesh Kakkad has reignited serious concerns over predators operating behind fake profiles on social media platforms. His case highlights the growing threat of digitally-enabled sexual exploitation and financial fraud. As more survivors may step forward, authorities and cybercrime experts believe this investigation could set a crucial precedent for handling cross-state digital and sexual offences.
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