Nalasopara (Maharashtra), Oct 18 (IANS) The Nalasopara sexual exploitation case in Maharashtra has taken a fresh turn, with another 22-year-old woman filing a complaint against the prime accused, Arif Shaikh, taking the total number of cases registered against him to five in a week. Four of these cases are related to alleged sexual exploitation.
Following the fresh complaint, concerns have grown over the possible involvement of more victims in the alleged sex racket. Taking note of the seriousness of the matter, the Mira-Bhayandar Vasai-Virar Police Commissionerate has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a detailed probe.
According to Nalasopara police, Shaikh allegedly used dating applications to establish contact with young women, gain their trust and lure them into relationships. He is accused of sexually assaulting women, recording objectionable videos and subsequently blackmailing them using the footage. The accused has already been arrested in connection with the case.
In her complaint, the 22-year-old woman alleged that Shaikh established contact with her through the ‘Hinge’ dating application sometime between March and September 2026. He allegedly gained her confidence and invited her to his residence, where he sexually assaulted her.
The complainant further alleged that Shaikh recorded objectionable videos of her on his mobile phone during the incident. He also allegedly took two gold rings from her on the pretext of needing money.
Based on her complaint, Nalasopara police have registered a case under Sections 64, 64(2)(m) and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
With five cases being registered against Shaikh within seven days, investigators are examining whether more women were allegedly targeted using a similar modus operandi.
The SIT has been constituted on the directions of Police Commissioner Niket Kaushik. The team is conducting an in-depth investigation to identify other possible victims and establish whether a wider network was involved in the alleged racket.
Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.
–IANS
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