In a big relief to social justice minister Dhananjay Munde, the woman who had accused him of rape has withdrawn her complaint.
According to a senior IPS officer, the woman has made a statement before the investigation officer, stating she was under mental pressure as relations between her elder sister and Munde were not cordial for long.
Munde was in a consensual relationship with the complainant's sister and even has two children from the relationship.
According to the police, the investigation officer asked the complainant to submit a notarized affidavit in this regard.
On January 10, the woman had lodged a complaint with Oshiwara police accusing Munde of sexually harassing her since 2006. As per her complaint, the leader had allegedly promised her of introducing her in Bollywood.
NCP president Sharad Pawar on Wednesday had ruled out any action against Munde till charges against him were proved.
Pawar told reporters in Panaji that any action against Munde will be taken only if allegations levelled against him are proved after an investigation.
The BJP, the main opposition party in Maharashtra, has been demanding Munde's resignation.
It has become a fashion for some people to level allegations against a person and seek resignation, the NCP patriarch said.
Allegations should be investigated and the truth brought to the fore. If allegations are true then it becomes our responsibility to take action, he said when asked if the NCP is contemplating any action against Munde.
"But it is not fair to take action unless allegations are proved," said Pawar, whose party is a key constituent in the Shiv Sena-led MVA government in Maharashtra.
(With inputs from agencies)
