Nagpur: Hudkeshwar police probing the captivity and rape of a 16-year-old class 12 student said on Wednesday they uncovered evidence of a planned assault after rescuing the teenager from a rented flat in Dighori, where she was held hostage for more than 24 hours.Investigators said the accused allegedly forced the teenager to eat chocolates laced with drugs before subjecting her to prolonged “fetish” assault and blackmail. He allegedly filmed the abuse and was found in possession of explicit photographs and videos of the survivor, police sources said.Police seized sex-enhancing pills, sprays, three knives, handcuffs, a nylon rope, a metal-studded leather belt and other devices allegedly intended for sexual brutality. Officers found an inflatable bed and an electronic air pump allegedly purchased online.Police commissioner Vishwas Nangre Patil said investigators would record the survivor’s detailed account after she becomes psychologically stable.Investigators are examining digital evidence to determine whether the crime was planned in advance. The accused had befriended the teenager through Instagram and online gaming, travelled to Nagpur after allegedly collecting details about her family.Investigators claimed to have uncovered a serial pattern of online grooming and blackmail. During questioning of the survivor’s three friends, police learnt the accused first connected with all four girls through a gaming app. He allegedly grew close to the survivor’s best friend for about a year before ending that relationship and shifting his attention to the govt official’s daughter. All four girls and the accused shared a common interest in online gaming, which led to friendship.Police suspect the accused used a similar modus operandi with several other girls, luring them into private chats, obtaining intimate photographs and then allegedly blackmailing them.
