Navi Mumbai: Police have launched a search for a 28-year-old man, identified as Raj, accused of raping a 25-year-old woman under the pretext of marriage and later circulating her obscene images on Instagram.

The incident took place in the Mankhurd area, where both the accused and the victim reside. They reportedly entered into a relationship a year ago. The victim, employed at a Vashi mall, was allegedly lured by Raj with false promises of marriage. He took her to Kalash Lodging in Mafco Market, APMC, and sexually assaulted her multiple times. During this period, he secretly recorded explicit photos and videos of her.

Three months ago, Raj allegedly sent the obscene visuals to the victim’s sister-in-law, and later shared more with her extended family via Instagram, defaming her publicly.

Following the harassment, the victim filed a complaint at Mankhurd Police Station. A case has been registered against Raj under charges of rape and relevant sections of the IT Act. The case was later transferred to APMC Police, who are now actively searching for the absconding accused.