After consistent follow-up with the Director General of Police (Maharashtra) Smt. Rashmi Shukla (IPS), the Mumbai Government Railway Police (GRP) has confirmed that Police Hawaldar Rajesh Changdev Karle (Buckle No. 1475), stationed at CSMT Police Station, committed sexual harassment against a woman while on duty at the police station. Consequently, a case has been registered against Karle FIR: 459/2025, under Section 354A of the Indian Penal Code.
The incident occurred on June 16, 2024, between approximately 2:30 and 3:30 AM. A mentally challenged woman was molested by on-duty, uniformed police personnel within the premises of the police station, in the presence of other officers. This incident was captured on CCTV.
An eyewitness, Mr. Sanjay Sahebrao Patange, reported the situation to the night police inspector, Mr. Santosh Dnyandev Lande. During the ordeal, the victim was seen crying and banging her head against a pillar and a wall near the washroom, pleading for help. Instead of providing assistance or medical treatment, the uniformed police officers forced her to board a local train.
The CCTV footage and a detailed report submitted by the in-charge of the police station, Mr. Tayed, highlight the serious atrocities committed against vulnerable women. However, the higher authority within the railway system, Mr. Ravindra Anant Shisve (CP rlys), did not take prompt action to register the offense. Instead, he delayed the matter under the guise of an ongoing inquiry, seemingly to protect the concerned police personnel and maintain the image of the railway’s Government Railway Police (GRP). This situation raises significant concerns about the safety of commuters, particularly women, in Mumbai’s railway system.
After persistent follow-ups with the Director General of Police (Maharashtra) Smt Rashmi Shukla, the offense was finally registered on June 16, 2025, by CSMT Railway GRP, following instructions from the current Commissioner of Police (Railways), Mr. Rakesh Chandra Kalasagar (IPS). Yet, there was an apparent attempt to manipulate the narrative, suggesting that the victim voluntarily came to the police station after a year to file the complaint. Sources indicate she was actually summoned by the railway GRP, and statements were made to protect the police personnel involved, especially Mr. Ravindra Anant Shisve, who was responsible for the delay in the case’s registration.
CCTV footage and a detailed report by the police station in-charge, Mr. Tayed, underscore the grave mistreatment of vulnerable women. However, Mr. Ravindra Anant Shisve, a senior Railway Police authority, delayed registering the offense, citing an ongoing inquiry, seemingly to shield the involved officers and protect the reputation of the Government Railway Police (GRP).
Following persistent follow-ups by me with the Director General of Police (Maharashtra) Smt. Rashmi Shukla (IPS), the offense was registered on June 16, 2025, by CSMT Railway GRP, under the directive of the current Commissioner of Police (Railways), Mr. Rakesh Chandra Kalasagar (IPS) RR:20111532, as Crime Number 459/2025 under Section 354A of the Indian Penal Code. There were indications of attempts to manipulate the narrative, falsely claiming the victim voluntarily approached the police station a year later to file the complaint, when in fact she was summoned by the railway GRP. Statements appear to have been crafted to protect the involved personnel, particularly Mr. Shisve, who was responsible for the delay.
As of now, the head constable involved remains on duty without arrest. Additionally, the implicated police inspector has been rewarded with an executive role overseeing the Panvel railway GRP, reportedly due to political connections in Jalgaon district. This incident raises serious concerns about the safety of commuters, especially women, within Mumbai’s railway system.
It’s important to point out a concerning pattern: there seems to be a coordinated effort to protect IPS officer Shri Ravindra Anant Shisve, despite worries about his competence and behavior as a public servant. It appears the entire situation is being pushed to be kept quiet, with only one police officer (Head Constable, Rajesh Changdev Karale) possibly being sacrificed to resolve the issue.
The current situation reveals a disturbing pattern where an IPS officer consistently protects a fellow IPS officer, regardless of their culpability or accountability for misconduct. It appears that a senior IPS officer can gain accolades and project an image of dedication and integrity, often by using subordinate police personnel as scapegoats. We are optimistic that the newly appointed Commissioner of Police (Railways), Mumbai, Mr. Rakesh Chandra Kalasagar (IPS), will go beyond merely addressing the formalities of this case to ensure the victim receives essential aid, protection, and rehabilitation. Prioritizing her safety and well-being is paramount. Furthermore, we trust that steps will be taken to prevent future incidents and rebuild public trust in the Maharashtra Police Force. We also extend our gratitude to the Director General of Police (Maharashtra), Smt. Rashmi Shukla, for her efforts and initiative in pursuing justice for the victim.
