Pune: A disturbing case of sexual exploitation has come to light in Pune, where a 21-year-old woman has accused a man of repeatedly raping her after threatening to share intimate photos with her family.

According to the complaint filed at the Sinhagad Road Police Station, the accused, Ganesh Motiram Gaykar, had been harassing the victim since March 2023. The police have registered a case against Gaykar, a resident of Otur in Junnar taluka.

He initially demanded a romantic relationship over the phone and hurled abuses when she refused. Gaykar then sent threatening WhatsApp messages, claiming to possess compromising photos of the victim and another person, Rohan.

Gaykar allegedly threatened to share these photos with the victim's family if she didn't comply with his demands. Fearing the consequences, the victim succumbed to Gaykar's demands, and he took her to various lodges, where he repeatedly raped her.

The victim endured months of harassment before finally approaching the police. "The accused exploited the victim's vulnerability, using coercion and manipulation to satisfy his twisted desires," said Police Inspector Savant, investigating the case.

The police have registered a case against Gaykar under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act. "We take such cases seriously and assure prompt action against perpetrators," said a police spokesperson.

This incident highlights the growing concern of online harassment and exploitation, particularly against women. The police have urged citizens to report similar incidents promptly, assuring strict action against perpetrators.