Non-cognisable case against Pune techie who lodged false rape complaint

PUNE: (Jul 22) Police have registered a non-cognisable case against a 22-year-old IT professional who falsely claimed that she was raped by a man posing as a ‘delivery agent’ at her apartment in Pune, officials said on Tuesday.

A 22-year-old woman working as a software professional in Pune has been booked by the police for allegedly filing a false rape complaint against a man she claimed was a delivery agent. The police investigation revealed that her accusations were fabricated, leading to legal action against her.

False Allegations and Police Probe

The woman had approached the police on July 3, alleging that a “delivery agent” entered her flat on the evening of July 2, sprayed a chemical to render her unconscious, and then raped her. She further claimed that the accused took a selfie using her phone and typed a threatening message, warning her against reporting the incident.

However, during the investigation, Pune Police found inconsistencies in her statements. Evidence, including phone chats, call records, and CCTV footage, revealed that the accused was actually a highly qualified professional known to the woman and had visited her flat with her consent. The selfie in question was also taken with her permission and later edited by her.

Legal Action Against the Woman

After establishing that the allegations were false, the police registered a non-cognisable offence against the woman on Monday under sections 212, 217 (furnishing false information to a public servant), and 228 (fabricating false evidence) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar stated that the evidence clearly disproved the woman’s claims, ruling out forced entry or the use of any chemical spray. He emphasized that such false complaints undermine genuine cases where survivors seek justice.

Woman Admits to Filing Complaint ‘Out of Anger’

During interrogation, the woman reportedly admitted that she filed the complaint “out of anger” after the accused allegedly forced himself on her when she was “not ready for sexual intercourse.” Police revealed that the two had met at her residence multiple times in the past when her parents were away.

She also cited her “unstable mental condition” as a reason for making the false rape claim. The case has raised concerns about the misuse of legal provisions, which can harm innocent individuals and weaken trust in the justice system.

Police Stress Importance of Fact-Checking

The Pune Police highlighted the need for thorough verification before registering serious criminal cases to prevent misuse of the law. False accusations not only damage the accused’s reputation but also divert police resources from genuine cases.

This incident follows recent controversies involving false complaints, prompting discussions on legal reforms to deter such misuse while ensuring justice for real victims.