Woman alleges rape by 48-yr-old MIDC constable

ACCORDING TO POLICE, THE COMPLAINANT HAD ALLEGEDLY STOLEN CHOCOLATES FROM A SUPERMARKET IN POWAI ON FEBRUARY 6

MUMBAI: The Powai police arrested a 48-year-old police constable on Saturday for allegedly raping a woman who was a suspect in a theft case. Madhukar Avhad, the accused, is posted as a naik at the MIDC police station, said Powai police. A senior police official said they are in the process of suspending Avhad.

Senior inspector of Powai police station Anil Pophale said, “The accused was produced before a magistrate court and has been remanded to police custody.”

According to police, the complainant had allegedly stolen chocolates from a supermarket in Powai on February 6. When the supermarket authorities alerted the police, the woman said she will not steal again and will pay for the chocolates.

Police said the incident took place in Powai police’s jurisdiction but Avhad, who was on bandobast duty near the supermarket, went out of his way to interfere in the case. He assured the woman that a theft case will not get registered and took her phone number. Avhad then called up the complainant asking her to come to the police station if she wanted to clear her name from the case. The woman ignored Avhad’s phone calls but he called her multiple times and even threatened her with arrest.

On Friday, Avhad forced the complainant to meet him in Powai, police said. When she arrived, he took her on a bike to a hotel room at Aarey road and allegedly raped her there.

Avhad then dropped her near Powai from where she returned home. He also told her that she will have to come again when he calls her. The woman told her husband about the incident after which he took her to Powai police station on Saturday.

The Powai police then registered an FIR under sections 376 (2) (a) (being a police officer commits rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC.

While the woman’s medical test reports are awaited, Avhad will also have to go through a test, police said.