A shocking case of sexual assault has emerged in Pune involving a 27-year-old woman from Bhutan. According to the complaint filed by the survivor, nine individuals have been named in an FIR registered at Samarth Police Station.
As per the information received, the woman, a Bhutanese national, came to Pune in 2020 after arriving in Bodh Gaya, India, for education and employment purposes. During her stay, she became acquainted with Rishikesh Navale, who later introduced her to Shantanu Kukde — the key accused in the case and a functionary of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Kukde, who also runs a foundation, provided her with housing in Pune and supported her education financially.
However, the survivor alleges that Kukde took advantage of the situation and established a sexual relationship with her. Over time, Kukde’s friends also began to sexually exploit her at different places and occasions. The group would often go out together, during which the assaults allegedly occurred repeatedly.
The FIR names several individuals, including well-known Pune-based lawyer Vipin Bidkar. The others accused are Shantanu Kukde, Rishikesh Navale, Jalindar Badade, Umesh Shahane, Pratik Shinde, Sagar Rasge, Avinash Suryawanshi, and Muddasin Memon.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Sandeep Singh Gill confirmed that during the investigation, it came to light that the survivor had been living under the care of Kukde’s foundation due to her difficult financial condition. The foundation’s premises often hosted Kukde’s acquaintances for various reasons, including parties. Around a year ago, prominent lawyer Vipin Bidkar allegedly visited the premises and also assaulted the woman, as per her complaint.
Police have already arrested some of the accused, including lawyer Vipin Bidkar. The investigation is ongoing.
