Bulgarian Woman Accuses Cadila Pharma CMD Of Rape; Alleges Police Cover-Up

A Bulgarian woman filed serious allegations of rape and criminal intimidation against Cadila Pharmaceuticals chairman Rajiv Modi and another employee, Johnson Mathew, in April 2023, kicking off a protracted legal battle after being subjected to unspeakable acts of violence and coercion during her employment, compelling her to speak out against the perpetrators of her alleged abuse. However, the response of law enforcement officials has been met with scepticism and criticism. Despite the gravity of the claims, the complainant accuses the police of turning a blind eye to her situation and deliberately shielding the accused from prosecution.

The ordeal began when a Bulgarian woman, employed as a flight attendant and personal assistant to CMD Rajiv Modi, filed a rape complaint in April of the preceding year. Her detailed statement under CrPC Section 164, coupled with medical tests, formed the basis of a case that would later take unexpected turns.

Concerns Over Police Cooperation

The woman, who had gone missing in January and reappeared just two days ago, made startling claims against the Sola Police Station. She asserted that her initial attempt to register a complaint was met with indifference, alleging that the police did not record her complete statement. Crucial details, including accusations of human trafficking and the names of specific individuals, notably an ACP, were purportedly omitted from her complaint.

Expressing frustration, the woman questioned the lack of evidence collection and pointed out instances where the police, she claims, sent her for a pregnancy test but overlooked other essential medical examinations. Her dissatisfaction was evident as she raised pertinent questions about the completeness and accuracy of the official record. "I had given the names of seven accused, but those people wrote the names of only six accused. I want to know where my human trafficking complaint is written? Where is the name of the head of legal and the employee board of Cadila? Where is the name of ACP woman Himala Joshi in the complaint?" she stated.

The complainant, who had been missing for an alarming 34 days since January 24, was found in Ahmedabad two days ago and was allegedly pursued and threatened by unidentified individuals at a mall in Ahmedabad. She also declared that she had travelled to Geneva to file a case with the United Nations and seek justice within the Indian legal system. "I don't want money," she emphasised, "I want to know if there is a police officer in this country who can investigate my case."

Legal Maneuvers and the Call for a CBI Probe

The complainant found herself entangled in a departmental inquiry against ACP Himala Joshi for purported inaction on her complaint in April 2023. Seeking a more extensive investigation, she had initially filed a petition at the Supreme Court for a CBI probe. However, this petition was unexpectedly withdrawn after the police submitted an A-summary report, signalling a lack of sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.

The woman's lawyer, Rajesh Mishra, also disclosed plans to seek a CBI inquiry into the case. He cited concerns about witness intimidation and the perceived incompleteness of the initial complaint, suggesting that efforts were being made to make witnesses hostile, including the then POSH Committee chairperson during the alleged incident.

Mishra raised alarm, stating, "Attempts are being made to make witnesses hostile in this case. 1 to 2 witnesses have become hostile. Witnesses need police protection."

Despite the serious nature of the allegations, an A-summary report was filed, suggesting a lack of conclusive evidence or the absence of the accused. An unnamed senior official associated with the probe clarified that the A-summary report followed the completion of the police inquiry, leaving the matter now in the hands of the court. 

Surprisingly, the complainant and her counsel reveal that the police have not approached the Bulgarian embassy in India for assistance. This oversight, intentional or otherwise, could impact the international dimension of the case and merits scrutiny.

Acknowledging the gravity of the accusations, Joint Commissioner of Police, Chirag Kordia, confirmed the recording of the woman's statement and confirmed the ongoing inquiries into the allegations, particularly against ACP Himala Joshi and other implicated individuals.