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False rape claims, hidden cameras: How woman honeytrapped top Maharashtra officers

False rape claims, hidden cameras: How woman honeytrapped top Maharashtra officers

India Today15-07-2025
A woman, who was arrested in 2016 in an extortion case, has now been accused of honeytrapping and extorting several senior police officers and bureaucrats across Maharashtra.At least two Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) in Thane recently filed extortion and blackmail cases against her, after she allegedly demanded Rs 40 lakh each from them following false rape allegations.The investigation, assigned to a woman ACP from a different division, revealed a deeper and disturbing pattern.advertisement
The accused woman, who would pose as a needy woman police constable or homeguard, allegedly targeted multiple IPS officers, Excise Superintendents, GST officials, civic body officers, school principals and others using similar tactics of seduction, blackmail and false accusations to extort large sums of money.According to a dossier accessed by India Today TV and submitted to the Sessions Court and Bombay High Court, the woman had previously filed rape allegations against several officers only to later withdraw or settle them after receiving hefty payouts. In many cases, victims chose silence, fearing social embarrassment and damage to their careers.Her modus operandi reportedly involved posing as a distressed ex-policewoman or widow, seeking help under emotional pretenses. She would then initiate WhatsApp conversations, video calls, and personal meetings to build trust.During these interactions, she would secretly record compromising images and videos, sometimes using screen-recorders or hidden cameras. These recordings were later used to coerce officers into paying large sums to avoid public humiliation or legal trouble.In one instance, she invited an IPS officer to a hotel room under the guise of seeking help. Once inside, she allegedly undressed, secretly recorded the interaction, and later used the footage for extortion.In another case, a senior officer's wife was reportedly forced to pay off the woman to prevent a rape case from being filed against her husband.The woman's reach, according to official documents, spans cities like Mumbai, Thane, Pune and Nashik. Among the known victims are at least three DCPs from the Maharashtra Police, excise officials, senior inspectors, assistant commissioners and others.Despite a 2016 arrest for impersonating a Crime Branch officer and attempting extortion in Thane, she allegedly continued her schemes under new identities and false claims.Her recent anticipatory bail application was rejected by a Sessions Court, but she secured interim protection from the Bombay High Court. Authorities say multiple cases are currently under investigation, with more victims possibly yet to come forward.- EndsTrending Reel
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