Madhya Pradesh Deputy Collector Arrested in Rape Case, Judicial Custody Until June 19

Bhopal, June 4: Arvind Mahaur, a Deputy Collector stationed in Morena district of Madhya Pradesh, was arrested late Wednesday night in connection with a rape case. A local court has remanded him to judicial custody until June 19.

The arrest followed a complaint lodged by a woman on June 3, alleging that Mahaur had sexually exploited her under the pretense of marriage. Based on her complaint, the Civil Lines police registered a case under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which includes charges of sexual exploitation, intimidation, and criminal threats.

According to Morena’s Superintendent of Police (SP) Dharmraj Meena, the complainant stated that she had met Mahaur through Facebook. Their online friendship gradually evolved into regular conversations. The woman alleged that Mahaur proposed marriage and, after gaining her trust, took her to a government rest house in Morena on March 30, 2025, where he reportedly had physical relations with her against her will.

The complainant further alleged that Mahaur later took her to his official residence in Sabalgarh, where he was serving as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), and subsequently to a flat in Gwalior.

Police reported that the alleged sexual exploitation continued at various locations between March 30, 2025, and June 3. An additional name, identified as Dolly Gayak, was mentioned in the FIR. She is accused of pressuring the complainant to withdraw her case and threatening her with severe consequences.

During a press conference on Thursday, SP Dharmraj Meena stated that the initial investigation was conducted by a female police officer and that the complainant underwent a medical examination.

He added that the investigating officer is also reviewing digital evidence, including mobile phone records and WhatsApp conversations.

Following his arrest, Mahaur reportedly complained of high blood pressure and was admitted to a hospital early Thursday. After treatment, he was presented in the district court, which ordered him to remain in judicial custody until June 19.

Mahaur has faced allegations of misconduct and inappropriate behavior towards women in the past. Police confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and further actions will depend on the evidence collected during the inquiry.