14 June,2026 01:35 PM IST | Palghar | mid-day online correspondent
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The Palghar Police have arrested a 23-year-old man from Gujarat in connection with the alleged rape and blackmail of a woman and her minor sister in Maharashtra's Dahanu area, officials said on Sunday, reported PTI.
The accused had been absconding since the case came to light earlier this month, prompting police to launch an extensive search operation across multiple states.
According to police officials, several teams were formed to track down the suspect after he went into hiding following the registration of the case.
After nearly two weeks of investigation and coordinated efforts, the accused was located in Bharuch district of neighbouring Gujarat and taken into custody on Saturday night, reported PTI.
A senior police official said the arrest was made following sustained surveillance and intelligence gathering by teams deployed in different locations.
The accused was subsequently brought to Maharashtra for further investigation and legal proceedings.
Police registered a case on June 1 based on a complaint lodged by the victims, who alleged sexual exploitation and blackmail.
The accused has been booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, considering that one of the victims is a minor, reported PTI.
Investigators are examining the allegations in detail and gathering additional evidence as part of the ongoing probe.
The case attracted significant public attention and triggered outrage in the region after details of the allegations emerged.
Political leaders and social activists called for swift action against the accused and demanded justice for the victims.
The incident also sparked discussions about the need for stronger safeguards and quicker action in cases involving crimes against women and children.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLC Chitra Wagh visited the victims' family and the Dahanu police station on June 6 to review the progress of the investigation.
She demanded immediate and stringent action against the accused and urged authorities to ensure that the victims received all necessary support.
Wagh also alleged that a structure associated with the accused was unauthorised and called for action against it in accordance with the law.
Following her visit, Wagh said she had taken up the issue with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and sought prompt intervention to ensure the accused was apprehended.
Police officials said the investigation remained a priority and multiple teams were deployed in Maharashtra and neighbouring states during the search operation.
With the arrest of the accused, investigators are expected to focus on collecting additional evidence, recording statements and completing other legal formalities required in the case.
Officials said the accused will be produced before a court and further action will be taken in accordance with the law.
The police have not disclosed additional details about the investigation, citing the sensitive nature of the case and the involvement of a minor victim.
Authorities said further investigation is ongoing, and legal proceedings will continue as the case moves forward through the judicial process.
(With inputs from PTI)
