Nalasopara police arrest gym trainer after rape complaint

Police arrested 22-year-old Arif Shaikh after a complaint by a 23-year-old woman. Claims about other women and intimate recordings remain under investigation.

The arrest took place late on October 12. The complainant said she met Shaikh on social media last year and alleged that he promised marriage, pressured her into living with him and repeatedly forced her into sexual relations.

Nalasopara senior police inspector Vishal Valvi said the case was registered following one woman's complaint. He said intimate videos had been found on a phone and police were investigating the circumstances.

The complainant alleged that the man had deceived 70–80 women and sold recordings on pornographic websites. Those are her claims, rather than a police-established victim count or confirmed finding of sales.

The case also names the suspect's mother, Ruksana, and cousin Sahil Shaikh. The woman accused them of additional incidents involving coercion, violence and an attempted sexual assault. Police are verifying the allegations.

A separate case concerns alleged remarks promoting religious hostility during Navratri. Police said the two investigations are being handled separately.