Special Correspondent
Pune: A shocking incident has come to light involving an office-bearer of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) who has been accused of raping two young women. A case has been registered at the Samarth Police Station, causing a major stir in political circles.
The accused has been identified as Shantanu Samuel Kukde, an office-bearer of the NCP.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 1) Sandeep Singh Gill, the accused, Shantanu Kukde, runs an NGO named Red House Foundation, which has an office in Nana Peth. Through this NGO, Kukde was involved in social work, including providing jobs and financial assistance to people in need.
Two months ago, he befriended a young woman under the pretense of offering her shelter. He arranged for both the woman and her friend to stay at his NGO’s office building. However, during their stay, he allegedly raped both women.
Following this, the victims lodged a complaint at Samarth Police Station, leading to a case being registered against Shantanu Kukde under sections related to rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
After the case was registered, the police arrested the accused, and he has been remanded to five days of police custody.
Meanwhile, authorities are inquiring about the NGO’s registration details from the Charity Commissioner’s office. Additionally, an investigation is underway to determine the financial sources of the Red House Foundation, said DCP Sandeep Singh Gill.
