Rekha Randive breaks down in court, as political factions that promised legal aid claim ignorance

On October 25, when bungalow owner Mohiniraj Kulkarni (79) and Rekha Randive (28) were arrested for their alleged involvement in the rape and murder of the latter's daughter, two political factions that had promised support to the duo were missing in action.



Yesterday, when Rekha broke down in court before JMFC BB Pantavane and demanded that Kulkarni be hanged, she was still fighting a lone battle.

Unaware
Sambhaji Brigade and Jilha Molkarin Sanghatana provided no legal aid to Rekha and its members were not even present in court. Santosh Shinde, city president, Sambhaji Brigade, said, "I was under the impression that Rekha was sent to police custody for 14 days. We were not aware that she was to be presented in court yesterday."

Ajit Abhyankar, secretary, Marxist Communist Party associated with the Sanghatna, said, "The poor and needy should get legal aid. It is their right." Abhyankar, however, did not say whether his committee will now ensure Rekha gets legal aid. Later, the Jilha Molkarin Sanghatana asked Deputy Commissioner Dnayeshwar Phadtare to invoke the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 against Kulkarni. The act has been invoked. Sambhaji Brigade and Dalit Mahasangha had earlier backed Rekha after her daughter (10) was allegedly raped at Kulkarni's bungalow in Narayan Peth on October 14.

Rekha worked as a nurse and took care of Kulkarni's ailing wife. In a press conference organised by the Sambhaji Brigade on October 24, Rekha admitted to being physically exploited by Kulkarni. She also alleged that Kulkarni lured her with money.

Police custody
The duo has been sent to police custody till November 2. Investigating officer Senior PI Motichand Rathore said the crime was committed in a locked room on the third floor of Kulkarni's bungalow.

He added, "Kulkarni, who had worked as assistant manager in Hindustan Antibiotics, had knowledge on how to destroy biodegradable products. He had allegedly forced Rekha to clean the floor with Dettol and later sprinkled caustic soda to wipe out remaining traces of the crime."

It was also alleged that Kulkarni disappeared for about 90 minutes after the girl was admitted to the hospital.