Kurla Police Arrest Karate Coach for Alleged Rape of Student Over 20 Years
The Kurla police have arrested a 48-year-old karate instructor for allegedly raping a former student over a 20-year period under the false pretext of marriage. The accused, identified as Mahesh Navale, previously trained members of the Mumbai Police’s all-women Nirbhaya Squad and runs a coaching academy, while also teaching at multiple colleges across Matunga, Sion, and Chunabhatti.
According to police officials, the complainant, now a 36-year-old employee at an Information Technology firm, first met Navale in 2006. At the time, she was participating in a National Cadet Corps self-defence course at a college located in King’s Circle, Matunga, where Navale was employed as an instructor. During their interactions, Navale allegedly told the victim that his wife was unfaithful and claimed that he planned to separate from her in the near future.
Investigators stated that Navale subsequently took the complainant to a lodging facility in Gorai, where he allegedly sexually assaulted her and threatened her to keep quiet. Over the subsequent two decades, from 2006 to 2026, he allegedly continued to sexually assault the woman at multiple locations across Kurla and Navi Mumbai, repeatedly assuring her that he would marry her. During this period, he also allegedly captured illicit photographs and videos of her.
The situation escalated when the victim recently attempted to sever ties with the accused. A police officer stated that when the complainant decided to distance herself from him, Navale began blackmailing her by threatening to release the illicit photos and videos. The officer added that the accused had also extorted money from her and issued warnings that he would confront her if she reported the matter to law enforcement.
Following her complaint, Kurla police apprehended Navale on Thursday. An offence was registered against him under Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with sexual intercourse procured through deceitful means or false promises of marriage without any intention of fulfilling them.
The complainant stated that she was 16 years old when she first met Navale and was 17 when the first sexual assault occurred, prompting her to demand charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. However, because the legislation was enacted in 2012, police officials noted that they are currently reviewing the legal aspects before determining whether to apply Pocso provisions to the case. Navale remains in custody as the investigation proceeds.
