Marathi writer accused of rape by staff

Eminent Marathi writer and social activist Laxman Mane, who has won many various awards for his literary and social work, has been accused of rape by two women working with an institute set up by him in Satara, 110 km from Pune.

Eminent Marathi writer and social activist Laxman Mane, who has won many various awards for his literary and social work, has been accused of rape by two women working with an institute set up by him in Satara, 110 km from Pune.

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Mane could not be traced after the complaint was lodged at a Satara police station on Sunday night.

The women said Mane exploited them sexually and raped them from 2003 to 2010, threatening to sack them or withhold their salaries unless they yielded to his advances.

Investigating Officer SB Lange said, "We have been trying to locate Mane but he is incommunicado. An offence has been registered and an investigation is on."

The complaint has sent shock waves among Marathi writers and social activists.