A 30-year-old man was arrested for luring at least a dozen young women into a love trap, sexually exploiting them and extorting lakhs of rupees from them. Kanhan Police have arrested the accused and launched investigation into the matter. The accused, identified as Arjun Rajendra Kanoje, a resident of Kamptee, was taken into custody following a complaint lodged by one of the victims. According to police, Punam (name changed), a well-educated professional working in a senior role at an IT company, came in contact with Arjun five years ago while looking to purchase a plot in Kalmeshwar. Arjun was working with a property firm at the time.

 

He pretended to be single, despite being married. On December 18, 2024, Arjun took Punam to a hotel in the Ramtek area and raped her under the pretext of marriage after she refused his advances. He allegedly recorded objectionable videos and photos of her. He later used them to blackmail her. Over time, he extorted large sums of money from Punam. He even forced her to fund a car.

 

Riya later discovered that Arjun was married and ended their relationship. However, Arjun continued threatening her with the release of her private visuals on social media. Riya further learnt that Arjun had similarly trapped and exploited around 12 other women and extorted lakhs of rupees from them. Following her complaint, the Kanhan Police registered a case against Arjun under multiple sections, including rape, criminal intimidation and extortion. He was arrested shortly thereafter.