Nagpur: A rape and wrongful confinement case registered at Pachpaoli police station, based on a complaint filed by a 29-year-old victim, has taken a crucial turn after investigators found that key allegations against the accused, his father and a female companion are not supported by preliminary medical and technical evidence.

Police had initially booked the accused trio after the victim alleged that she was illegally confined and sexually assaulted by the accused in the presence of his father, with a woman allegedly assisting them. The case drew widespread attention due to the serious nature of the allegations.

According to the complaint, the victim’s ordeal allegedly began in 2021 when she was pursuing her education in Chandrapur. She claimed that during a visit to a garment shop, a hidden camera was installed in the changing room and an objectionable video of her was secretly recorded. The victim alleged that the video was later used to blackmail her for sexual favours and money. A rape case was earlier registered in Chandrapur in this connection, and the accused was arrested and later released on bail. She further claimed that continued harassment forced her to relocate to Nagpur.

In her latest complaint, the victim alleged that on January 10, the accused arrived at her residence in Nagpur along with his father and a woman, where she was allegedly restrained and raped.

However, officials probing the case said that technical analysis, including mobile location data and other digital evidence, indicates that the prime accused was not present in Nagpur on the date mentioned in the complaint. Police also confirmed that the victim’s medical examination report did not reveal any indications of sexual assault.

Investigators further stated that during the course of the inquiry, information has emerged suggesting that the victim may have a history of filing similar complaints. “At this stage, several allegations made by the victim do not match the medical and technical evidence collected,” a senior police officer said, adding that the investigation is still in progress.

Police have cautioned against the misuse of stringent legal provisions to falsely implicate individuals, warning that such practices weaken genuine cases and place unnecessary pressure on the justice system. Officials indicated that once the election process concludes, strict legal action will be initiated if it is established that the law was misused and innocent persons were framed.

Further investigation is underway, and police said the final course of action will be decided based on the outcome of the probe.