Dombivli: Police has registered a case against a Thakurli-based social media influencer and developer in connection with alleged sexual assault of a 19-year-old Nashik woman.

Case has been registered against the accused, identified as Surendra Patil, for sexual assault and offences under the Arms Act.

Patil has 13 criminal cases, ranging from misusing licenced firearm, making inappropriate videos inside a police station, etc. registered against him.

The cases are registered at various police stations, including Kolsewadi, Mahatma Phule, and Manpada.

According to the complaint, the victim was sexually assaulted between February 16 and March 29 in the Dawdi area of Dombivli East. The case has been registered against Patil as well as his driver at Manpada.

The 19-year-old victim, a resident of Pune, came into contact with Patil through Instagram. As the friendship grew, Patil promised to secure a job for her at Mumbai Airport.

Lured by the job offer, the victim rushed to Mumbai. The victim first met Patil at Kalamboli and then accompanied him to his office in Dombivli. Patil tried to seduce the victim, however, when the victim resisted, he whipped out a gun and forced himself upon her.

Fear of humiliation prevented the victim from reporting the matter. However, as Patil continued to blackmail and sexually assault her.

Feeling humiliated and traumatized by the incident, the victim lodged a complaint at the Manpada.

Dombivli Assistant Commissioner of Police, Suhas Hemade, confirmed investigation was underway and action will be taken against Patil soon.