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Political groups that had earlier offered support missing in action when they were arrested

In a new twist to the alleged rape and murder of a minor in a bungalow at Narayan Peth on October 14, the police arrested bungalow owner Mohiniraj Kulkarni (79), and Rekha Randive (28), the girl's mother yesterday.

However, more than the arrest, it was the absence of  the members from political outfits Sambhaji Brigade and Dalit Mahasangha at the court that was more shocking. Sambhaji Brigade had offered complete support to Rajni because she is a Maratha, whereas the Dalit Mahasangha backed her because Kulkarni is a Brahmin. Rajni worked as a nurse with Kulkarni and took care of his ailing wife.
 




Unaware
Santosh Shinde, city president, Sambhaji Brigade told MiD DAY, "We were unaware that she was to be presented before the court yesterday, and so, none of our supporters were present." He added, "Rekha is not involved in the rape and murder. If the police tries to falsely implicate her, we will protest against it."

On Saturday, Rajni, who used to take care of Kulkarni's ailing wife, addressed a press conference organised by Sambhaji Brigade and announced she and Kulkarni were in a relationship for the past year.

JMFC P P Modi announced four days police custody to Kulkarni and Rajni yesterday. Defense Advocate Santosh Jadhav argued that considering Kulkarni's age and his wife's health, he should be sent to magisterial custody.

However, public prosecutor Nilima Joshi said, "He is not a  human being. The strictest punishment should be given to both of them." There was no remorse on the faces of Kulkarni and Rajni. Inspector Motichand Rathod had requested for seven days' police custody.