The Sonegaon police have filed a case of rape and criminal intimidation against a city-based builder and four women after a 24-year-old beautician alleged that she was drugged and sexually assaulted under the pretext of resolving her financial difficulties.
According to the complaint, the survivor — who is married — had gradually come in contact with the accused women: Reshma Saurabh Joshi (30) of Aashray Apartments, Beltarodi; Sarla Sahu alias Nidhi Pandey (28) of Shesh Nagar; Ashwini Kamkar (34) from Sahu Nagar; and Pramila Sangharatra Meshram (45) from Ajni.
Police said the woman frequently visited Sarla’s beauty parlour for make-up services. During one such visit, Sarla allegedly recorded an objectionable video of her without consent.
The victim later expressed interest in purchasing a plot of land, and Reshma introduced her to builder Ghanshyam Sahu of Gajanan Developers, Shesh Nagar. However, she informed the group that she could not buy the property due to financial constraints.
Weeks later, the four women allegedly pressured her to “spend time” with Sahu, claiming it would help solve her money troubles. She reportedly refused.
On August 17, the women invited her to a party at Beltarodi, where Sahu was also present. The woman alleged that she was served juice, after which Sahu took her to Hotel Airport Villa in Sonegaon and raped her.
When she confided in the women about the assault and considered approaching police, Reshma allegedly threatened to release the secretly recorded video to tarnish her reputation.
Fearing social stigma, the survivor initially remained silent and did not tell her family. She later disclosed the assault to her husband and approached the police.
Based on her statement, an offence has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The case is currently under investigation.
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