Shiv Sena leader denies rape charges, says conspiracy

Pune: Maharashtra Shiv Sena leader Raghunath Kuchik denied charges that he had raped a 24-year-old woman and forced her to abort her pregnancy but said that all that is part of a political conspiracy, NDTV reported.

The general secretary of the Shiv Sena's labour wing Bhartiya Kamgar Sena said that the case was registered out of the political conspiracy to defame him and his family. The case against him is a form of blackmailing and intended to tarnish his works in the labour sector as well as the political and social image he earned through the years.

After the alleged survivor approached the Pune police and filed a complaint, they have registered a case under the IPC sections of 376 (rape) and 313 (causing miscarriage without woman's consent) against Kuchik.

Police told PTI that Kuchik made a friendship with the woman through social media and later established a physical relationship, promising to marry her.

The accused leader said that he has complete faith in the judiciary and the police department. He is confident that the truth will be out after the investigation.

Kuchik said he could not say much as the case has been filed today. He assured me that his legal team is working on the case and will provide details in the coming days.

However, earlier, he had claimed that he fell for a honey trap set by the woman.