Special Correspondent
Pune : A 29-year-old Tamasha dance artist had to approach the Bombay High Court to compel Pune police to register her complaint of rape, fraud, and coercion by a youth who allegedly exploited her under the pretext of marriage. The accused, Harishchandra Shridhar Gogavale, is accused of repeatedly raping the victim, deceiving her into handing over lakhs of rupees for a flat, and forcing her to undergo an abortion.
The victim, who worked at a Tamasha theatre in Satara in 2017, met Gogavale during her employment. He proposed a live-in relationship, assuring her that he would bear all expenses and provide a home. Trusting him, she left her job and moved in with him.
In 2018, Gogavale brought her to Pune and rented a flat in her name, promising marriage. Initially, he paid the rent, but as months passed, he stopped, forcing her to cover the costs from her savings. Confrontations about his behavior led to verbal abuse and arguments.
During the relationship, the victim became pregnant but was coerced into an abortion at a private hospital. Gogavale also allegedly convinced her to give him a significant sum of money to buy a flat. After enduring sustained financial and emotional abuse, the victim left the premises.
When the victim attempted to file a complaint, local police delayed action, prompting her to seek legal recourse. Her advocates argued before the court that her allegations constituted a cognizable offense, necessitating the immediate registration of a Zero FIR.
What Is a Zero FIR?
A Zero FIR allows a crime to be registered at any police station, regardless of jurisdiction. It is later transferred to the relevant station for further investigation. This ensures that victims can report crimes without being turned away due to jurisdictional constraints.
Following the court’s intervention, Pune city police registered the case and initiated an investigation.
