Nalasopara, October 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The alleged sexual exploitation case in Maharashtra’s Nalasopara has taken a fresh turn, with another 22-year-old woman filing a complaint against the accused, Arif Shaikh, taking the total number of cases registered against him to five within a week. Four of the cases concern alleged sexual exploitation.
Following the latest complaint, the Mira-Bhayandar Vasai-Virar Police Commissionerate has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the allegations and determine whether more women were targeted.
According to Nalasopara police, Shaikh allegedly used dating applications to approach young women, gain their trust and lure them into relationships. He is accused of sexually assaulting women, recording objectionable videos and subsequently using the footage to blackmail them. He has already been arrested in connection with the case.
In her complaint, the 22-year-old woman alleged that she came into contact with Shaikh through the Hinge dating application between March and September 2026. He allegedly gained her confidence and invited her to his residence, where he sexually assaulted her.
The complainant further alleged that Shaikh recorded objectionable videos of her on his mobile phone during the incident. She also accused him of taking two gold rings from her on the pretext that he needed money.
Based on her complaint, Nalasopara police registered a case under Sections 64, 64(2)(m) and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
With five cases registered within seven days, investigators are examining whether the accused allegedly followed a similar pattern in targeting other women and whether additional individuals were involved.
The SIT was constituted on the directions of Police Commissioner Niket Kaushik. The team is conducting a detailed investigation to identify potential victims, examine the allegations and establish whether the cases point to a wider network.
Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.
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