Mumbai model rape case: Charge sheet against accused, including 3 policemen

Mumbai police on Monday filed a charge sheet in a local court against eight accused, including three policemen, arrested in connection with the rape and extortion of an upcoming model.

"We have filed a 1,168-page charge sheet against the accused and charged them with rape, extortion and criminal conspiracy," Mumbai Police spokesperson DCP Dhananjay Kulkarni said on Monday.

The eight accused include Sunil Khatpe (34), Suresh Suryavanshi (36) - both Assistance Police Inspectors - and Yogesh Konde (36), a constable. The others are Javed Ibrahim Sheikh (35), Ibrahim Bismillah Khan (42), Tanveer Hashmi (34), Sanjay Ramaronge (34) and Asha Malviya (24).

The incident had come to light after the victim sent an SMS to city Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria on April 21, complaining about her sexual exploitation by some men, including two assistant police inspectors and a head constable of Mumbai police.

Maria had called her to his office and after hearing her case, forwarded the complaint to MIDC police station, following which a case was registered under the sections 376 (rape), 354 (molestation), 384 (extortion) and other relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.

The case was later transferred to Crime Branch.