Palghar, Maharashtra: A 27-year-old man has been booked by Pelhar Police under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act for allegedly raping, assaulting, and blackmailing a 21-year-old woman over an extended period, and later defaming her online.
The accused, identified as Ganesh Shankar Chavan, from Vadervadi, Pune, is accused of developing a relationship with the victim under false pretenses of marriage. According to the First Information Report (FIR), from January 14, 2022, to August 2023, Chavan allegedly coerced the victim into sexual acts, including unnatural acts.
The complaint details that Chavan secretly took explicit photographs of the victim, which he then used to blackmail her. He threatened to circulate these images if she did not comply with his demands. On March 20, 2025, the accused allegedly assaulted the victim by slapping and verbally abusing her when she refused further contact.
Chavan is also accused of stealing the victim's mobile phone and gold chain, allegedly out of concern that incriminating voice recordings on the phone could be used as evidence against him. The situation escalated on May 2, 2025, when Chavan allegedly created fake Instagram and Facebook accounts in the victim's name and disseminated her explicit photos to her friends and relatives, causing severe psychological trauma and defamation.
The accused has been charged under IPC Sections 376 (rape), 377 (unnatural offenses), 354 (assault on a woman), 351 (criminal force), 352 (assault), 356 (theft), and IT Act Sections 66C and 67 for identity theft and publishing obscene content.
As of now, no arrests have been made. The case is being investigated by Sub-Inspector Yuvraj Chaudhary of Pelhar Police Station. The matter remains under active investigation.
