Protection for woman who accused NCP leader of rape

Police protection has been granted to a woman who filed a rape case against NCP leader and former Minister Laxman Dhoble, the State government informed the Bombay High Court on Friday.

The woman had written to the court saying she feared threat to her life.

The court took cognisance of the letter and ordered that the case be handed over to the Crime Branch.

Public Prosecutor Sandeep Shinde said the probe would be transferred.

The woman was an employee of the educational institution Mr. Dhoble is associated with.

On September 12, she filed a complaint against him alleging that he had beaten her up and sexually abused her.

The police filed a case of rape and criminal intimidation against him.