Rohan Umak
Nashik rape case: What began as a complaint of extortion by a 63-year-old man in Maharashtra’s Nashik quickly turned the tide against him, as the police recovered as many as 121 obscene videos from the complainant’s cell phone. The complainant, whom the police identified as Ravindra Ganpat Erande, introduced himself as a journalist and a social activist. He was arrested last Friday after the cops discovered incriminating videos linked to him.
Complainant turns from victim to accused
According to police, Erande initially approached them, alleging that a group of unidentified persons had stolen a tablet from his office in the city’s Satpur area, and were attempting to extort Rs 12 lakh from him, threatening to leak his private photos and videos on social media.
The police plunged into action and arrested four suspects. They seized numerous electronic devices, including cell phones, pen drives and a memory card. However, when the devices underwent a forensic examination, the cops found 121 obscene videos allegedly involving women known to Erande.
Nashik rape case: Erande exploited women on pretext of setting up businesses
According to the investigating police personnel, the material points to a pattern of sexual exploitation. The cops learnt that Erande used to lure women with false assurances, particularly by helping them set up small businesses or securing government jobs for their children. He then used to exploit them sexually and also recorded the encounters furtively.
Police further found that similar video files were also found stored on Erande’s office computer, categorised in folders named after various women.
8 women identified, more to come to fore likely
The police said that so far, they have identified eight survivors and their statements are being recorded at present. Officers probing the case indicated that more victims may emerge as the inquiry advances, potentially leading to more serious charges and fresh cases against Erande.
The authorities said they have urged more women to come forward, assuring them that their identities will remain strictly confidential.
Case surfaces days after Astrologer’s arrest
Notably, the case has surfaced almost a month after a self-styled godman and astrologer Ashok Kharat fell into police dragnet for allegedly raping women. Police have registered as many as 8 First Information Reports (FIRs) against him to date, underlining growing concerns over abuse of trust and authority.
Shubh Laabh