Maharashtra cop arrested for demanding sexual favours from woman in custody

MAHARASHTRA: A police officer posted at the Civil Lines police station in Maharashtra’s Akola has been accused of demanding sexual favours from a woman while she was in police custody, triggering outrage and swift departmental action.

The woman had been arrested by the cyber police for allegedly defrauding another individual of Rs 80 lakh on the pretext of providing a job. After being produced before a court, she was remanded to four days of police custody and was subsequently lodged at the Civil Lines police station in Akola city.

During her custody, the woman alleged that an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) demanded physical relations from her. She reported the incident to a female police officer, who escalated the matter to senior officials. Upon learning of the allegations, a senior officer immediately visited the police station and reprimanded the accused ASI.

Following this, the woman formally lodged a complaint against the officer. Acting on her complaint, the Civil Lines police registered a case against the accused. The incident sparked concern and protests at various levels, given the seriousness of the allegations.