BJP councilor booked for rape; files cross complaint alleging extortion

“We are verifying the allegations and establishing the sequence of events,” an officer from the Mira Road police station said

MUMBAI: A BJP corporator from the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation has been booked for rape following a complaint by a 40-year-old woman; he also filed a cross-complaint against her alleging extortion.

BJP councilor booked for rape; files cross complaint alleging extortion

According to the police, the complainant, a social activist, alleged that Laxman Jangam, 60, has been sexually assaulting her since 2022. She claims he also promised to marry her. Based on her statement, the Mira Road police registered a case against him on Monday.

Later that day, Jangam approached the Navghar police station, claiming the woman was attempting to extort money from him. He told police they came into contact in 2022 through work-related interactions. She then allegedly threatened to circulate their intimate photos and videos on social media, demanding a 3BHK flat, a shop and 250 grams of gold. Acting on his complaint, the Navghar police registered an extortion case against the woman.

Police said both complaints are under investigation. “We are verifying the allegations and establishing the sequence of events,” an officer from the Mira Road police station said.