Temple security officer held after raping photo studio owner

The 37-year-old accused allegedly raped the victim after lacing her drinks with sedatives, and then used the video clip of the act to abuse her over several months

Temple security officer held after raping photo studio owner

Gamdevi police have arrested the chief security officer of Tulsidas Gopaldas Pavillion Trust, located opposite Cadbury House, for raping a 37-year old woman who was running a temporary photo studio within the premises of the institution.

Cops said that the accused shot a video clip of the victim while raping her and later sexually exploited her with this.

Trust deficit: Datta Kothawle, chief security officer of TG Pavillion Trust, has been accused of raping and sexually exploiting a photo studio owner

As per the complaint registered by Gamdevi police, Datta Kothawle (38) — with the help of his employers — encouraged illegal stalls in the periphery of Trimbakeshwar Temple run by the trust.

The institution has allegedly been collecting Rs 15,000 to 20,000 from each booth. Police said the victim also owns one such stall in the temple’s vicinity for which she made regular payments.

The crime
In the month of May, the accused called the victim to a lodge in Dadar on the pretext of a discussion regarding the kiosk and then raped her after offering her drinks laced with sedatives.

“The accused filmed the act and later blackmailed the victim into continuing a physical relationship with him. Fed up with the increasing abuse, the victim disclosed everything to her husband and family members,” said senior inspector Pradip Lolankar of Gamdevi police station.

Cops said that with the support of her relatives, the woman approached them, and registered a complaint against the security officer.

On Thursday, the police laid a trap and succeeded in arresting Kothawle from his Navi Mumbai residence.

Kothawle has been booked under Sections 328 [causing hurt by means of poison], 376 [punishment for rape] and 509 [word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman] of Indian Penal Code.

He was produced before the metropolitan magistrate and has been remanded in police custody till November 21.

Past issues
“TG Pavillion Trust has been involved in a series of controversies ranging from running illegal stalls to not maintaining adequate security for devotees. We are also trying to determine whether the trustees had any role in this episode,” Lolankar added.

“We had never imagined that someone who is related to the trust could do something like this,” said a representative of TG Pavillion Trust, who wished to remain anonymous.u00a0

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