Rajkot, Gujarat: Three police personnel and a home guard have been arrested in Gir-Somnath district, Gujarat, for allegedly raping a 27-year-old woman bootlegger multiple times over several months. The woman, who took over her deceased husband’s illegal liquor business, accused the men of forcing her into sexual relations in exchange for not taking “hafta” (protection money).
The accused include:
- Salim Baloch, head constable at police headquarters.
- Mohan Makwana, head constable at Gir-Gadhada police station.
- Hanif Shahmadar, home guard in Una.
- Paresh Singod, who impersonated a police officer.
The woman approached authorities after enduring months of abuse. In her complaint, she stated that Baloch and Makwana initially threatened her with legal action under the Prohibition Act unless she paid hafta. When she refused, Baloch allegedly demanded sexual favors via WhatsApp messages. Screenshots of these messages were submitted as evidence.
The sexual assaults reportedly began around six months ago when Baloch raped the woman in a village near Gir-Gadhada. Makwana followed suit, using threats of arrest to coerce her into sexual relations in exchange for allowing her to continue selling liquor.
The complaint further details how a man claiming to be an SOG officer raided her den and raped her on multiple occasions. While she couldn’t identify him from photos shown by police, investigation revealed the perpetrator to be Paresh Singod, who impersonated the officer.
The woman also accused home guard Hanif Shahmadar of demanding sexual favors. Unable to bear the torture any longer, she sought help from senior police officials.
“An FIR has been registered against the accused, and the woman has undergone a medical examination,” said Manoharsinh Jadeja, Superintendent of Police, Gir-Somnath district. “Despite having past offenses under the Prohibition Act, we take such allegations seriously. A departmental inquiry has also been initiated against the accused policemen.”
(*Victim’s identity withheld for privacy under Supreme Court guidelines for sexual assault cases.)
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