A police constable has been arrested for allegedly raping a woman. Constable Madhukar Awhad, posted with the MIDC police, apprehended the woman for allegedly shoplifting while shopping at a reputed supermarket in Powai on Wednesday (February 6). The 48-year-old then allegedly blackmailed and raped her. "The woman reportedly slipped 10 bars of chocolate into her purse, without paying for them," said a police officer. "She paid for the rest of her purchases, but when the security guard guarding at the exit tallied the bill and her belongings, the theft came to light." She was taken to the supermarket's administrative offices, where she confessed to the crime and assured to pay for the stolen chocolates. Police officers, including Awhad, were present and she gave them a written declaration saying she would not repeat the offence. The document contained her name, residential address, mobile number and Aadhaar details. Allegedly, Awhad called her three times the very next day. "However, she did not answer the calls due to fear. Later, she took his call and he told her to meet him or face legal action for her crime," said a police officer. She agreed to meet him on Friday in Powai. "They met at around 1.30 pm, and Awhad took her to a hotel at Aarey Road on his motorcycle," said the officer. "Allegedly, he raped her there and dropped her back to Powai." Awhad also told his victim woman that she would have to meet him whenever her calls, or face prosecution. The woman told her husband the ordeal and the approached Powai police. Awhad was summoned on Saturday at the police station, and he confessed to the crime. He has been arrested.

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