Nashik witnessed a shocking turn in a case that initially began as an extortion complaint when a 63-year-old man, Ravindra Ganpat Erande, who describes himself as a journalist and social activist, was arrested after police reportedly recovered 121 obscene and objectionable videos from digital devices linked to him. The arrest came after an investigation into a blackmail case he himself had filed at Satpur police station.
Police said Erande had approached them, claiming that four men had stolen a tablet from his office and were trying to extort ₹12 lakh by threatening to leak his private photos and videos on social media. Acting on his complaint, police arrested the four accused after laying a trap.
However, during the investigation, officers seized mobile phones, pen drives and a memory card from the accused men. What followed changed the direction of the entire case.
Police Recover 121 Obscene Videos During Investigation
When police examined the digital devices, they reportedly found 121 obscene and objectionable videos. According to investigators, many of these videos involved women known to Erande.
A police officer said the findings raised serious questions about his role. “During the technical examination, we found multiple objectionable videos involving different women. The pattern suggested a larger offence,” an official said, as per reports.
Police alleged that Erande lured women by promising help in starting small businesses or securing government jobs for their children. He is accused of sexually exploiting them and secretly recording intimate videos without consent.
Investigators further said that the videos were stored on his office computer in separate folders named after different women, suggesting a systematic pattern of recording and storage.
Victims Identified, More Complaints Expected
So far, police have identified at least eight women linked to the case. Their statements are being recorded, and officials believe the number of victims could rise as the investigation expands.
A senior officer said, “We are recording statements of the identified women. More victims may come forward once they feel safe.”
Police have also appealed to other women who may have been affected to approach the authorities, assuring that their identities will be kept strictly confidential.
Legal Action and Arrest
Following a complaint from one of the victims, Erande was arrested on Friday. Police said he has been booked under Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with other relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act and provisions related to sexual exploitation.
The complaint alleged that he sexually assaulted the woman multiple times at hotels after promising her assistance in securing a government job for her son.
From Extortion Complaint to Criminal Investigation
The case took a dramatic turn after Erande’s own complaint led to the arrest of four men accused of stealing his tablet and attempting to blackmail him. Police had earlier seized four mobile phones, two pen drives and a memory card from the accused.
However, the same evidence later revealed what investigators describe as a far more serious crime involving alleged sexual exploitation and recorded material.
Probe Continues as Police Seek More Victims
Police said the investigation is still ongoing and more charges may be added depending on victim statements and digital evidence.
Officials indicated that the scale of the alleged offences could be much larger than initially suspected. “The number of victims could be substantial,” a police source told media.
Meanwhile, authorities have assured a confidential and victim-friendly process to encourage more complainants to step forward.
