The probe into the alleged rape and robbery case involving a 29-year-old model got a major boost on Saturday with a medical report confirming that she was sexually assaulted, the police said.
Eight persons, including three policemen, have already been arrested in connection with the case, wherein one of the personnel is accused of raping the woman in a police post in Andhrei MIDC earlier this month.
"As per the medical report, the victim has a few bite marks and bruises on her body that indicate that attempts were made to outrage her modesty," said Atulchandra Kulkarni, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime).
The police had earlier confirmed only the charge of robbery against the accused. On April 3, some of the accused stopped the vehicle of the victim and took her to the police post, where one of the policemen allegedly sexually assaulted her by forcing her to perform oral sex.
In her statement to police, the model, an MBA in hospitality from Australia, said one of the persons present at the police post told her to admit that she was a sex worker so that he could help her by presenting her as a victim of sex trade. She also stated the accused had snatched around Rs 4.35 lakh cash from her.
"The finding (rape) in the medical report has strengthened our case, but there are still some loose ends that we are working on so as to make a watertight (case)," said Kulkarni.
The act, allegedly committed by assistant police inspector Sunil Khatpe ,34, was akin to rape as per the new definition under the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013.
Meanwhile, the police on Saturday continued the grilling of the accused in custody, and are soon likely to summon the omplainant to corroborate her charge.
She (victim) is not in the city right now, but we are corroborating her complaint with the circumstantial evidence," according to a police officer.
He said the investigators are awaiting return of the model so that she can be asked to give her statement. When asked about the possibility of initiating a disciplinary action against DCP of the zone and a senior inspector, who reportedly did not pay heed to the victim's plea to register her complaint, Kulkarni said, "I have learnt that police commissioner has pulled up both the officers."
The accused were booked under Indian Penal Code sections related to rape, criminal conspiracy and extortion, among others.
While Khatpe and Suresh Suryavanshi, 36, are APIs, Yogesh Konde, 36, is a constable, whereas others are accused of abetting the crime.
