PANAJI
A national medal-winning boxer, Pushpender Rathi has been arrested on charges of allegedly raping a young medical student on the false pretext of marriage.
In her complaint to the Women’s Police Station, the 21-year-old woman accused Rathi of repeatedly subjecting her to sexual assault in Goa and other places while promising to marry her. However, when she and her family approached him with the marriage proposal, he backed out.
“Several meetings to convince Rathi for the marriage failed, after which the victim’s father decided to take legal action against him,” revealed a source.
Taking prompt action into the complaint filed during the late hours of June 24, the police arrested Rathi around 2.40 am on June 25. Incidentally, the boxer was in Goa to attend practice sessions.
Sources told The Goan that a female world champion could be questioned as she allegedly introduced Rathi and the victim during a boxing championship in Hyderabad around two years ago. The prime witness is thus likely to be summoned by the women’s police to join the investigation and recording of her statement.
Sources further revealed that the alleged affair between Rathi and the victim was even covered by national media. Despite the media attention, the duo allegedly continued their relationship.
Now in light of the FIR and his subsequent arrest, Rathi is most likely to be prohibited from participating in any further tournaments until legal proceedings conclude.
“We will cooperate with the agencies probing the matter if needed. The incident, though, has nothing to do with the Goa Boxing Association. Such an act is neither encouraged by our associations nor do we take sides. Let the law take its course,” a senior Association member told The Goan.
Meanwhile, the investigation team has already begun recording statements of other witnesses, who were in the know of the matter. The accused's bail application will also be heard on Wednesday.
