Prafulla Lodha, a close aide of BJP leader Girish Mahajan, has been arrested under POCSO in a honey trap and rape case involving a minor. Allegations of blackmail, political shielding, and extortion have surfaced.
BJP Leader’s Aide Booked Under POCSO; Allegations Shake State Politics
A major political controversy has erupted in Maharashtra after the arrest of Prafulla Lodha, a close aide of BJP minister Girish Mahajan, in a high-profile POCSO and honey trap case. Lodha, originally from Pahur in Jamner Taluka, Jalgaon district, was arrested by Sakinaka Police on July 5, 2025. He faces serious charges of rape, extortion, and cyberblackmail under POCSO, and a second FIR was filed against him on July 14 by Andheri MIDC Police in Mumbai.
Lodha allegedly lured a 16-year-old girl and her friend under the pretext of a job, sexually assaulted them, and used obscene photos to threaten and confine them. The police seized electronic devices including a laptop and pen drives during property searches in Jalgaon and Jamner. Despite such serious accusations, his proximity to powerful BJP leaders is raising troubling questions.
Khadse Drops Bombshell: “Lodha Rose from Poverty to Crores Overnight”
Senior NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Eknath Khadse has demanded a Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry into Lodha’s rise and political connections. According to Khadse, Lodha was a poor health volunteer a few years ago. “How did a man with no assets suddenly become worth ₹50–60 crore after coming close to BJP leaders, especially Girish Mahajan?” he asked.
Khadse alleged that Lodha had access to sensitive material, possibly used for blackmail. “There are disturbing videos and recordings where Lodha hurls abusive language at Mahajan. Yet, he was welcomed back into BJP in the presence of the Chief Minister, and even seen being fed sweets by Mahajan himself,” Khadse said. “Isn’t it possible that he blackmailed his way back?”
Prafulla Lodha’s Criminal Trail: Two FIRs and a Network of Influence
Lodha is currently accused in two serious FIRs:
•Sakinaka Police FIR (July 3): POCSO, rape, blackmail, and cheating.
•MIDC Andheri FIR (July 14): POCSO, honey trap, and sexual exploitation.
Police investigation led to seizure of digital evidence and interrogation of local contacts in Jalgaon. Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT) has verified that Lodha once had a fallout with Girish Mahajan, followed by public abuse and exit from BJP. However, his later re-entry into the party has caused massive uproar, especially in light of his criminal record.
Raut Demands CBI Probe: “Honey Trap Was Used to Topple MVA Govt”
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut added fuel to the fire by sharing a photo of Lodha with Mahajan, claiming that four Maharashtra ministers were caught in honey traps. He alleged that this tactic was deliberately used to destabilize the MVA government and force defections within Shiv Sena.
“The Chief Minister denied honey traps in the Assembly. But photos don’t lie. Let the CBI probe the real truth, including Lodha’s BJP links,” said Raut. He also claimed that BJP used Lodha for blackmail, but the tactic backfired, turning him into a liability. “Lodha was the weapon, but now he’s the threat,” Raut said.
Khadse further revealed that some of the objectionable photos and videos submitted to senior BJP leaders in Delhi have mysteriously disappeared. He suspects sabotage, possibly to protect top political names.
“There’s strong evidence that a senior BJP leader could be exposed by Lodha’s files. This cannot be brushed under the carpet,” Khadse warned. Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT) has learned that certain materials were deliberately hidden or relocated during the police search, and key drives are yet to be recovered.
Demands for Transparency and Accountability Grow Louder
With public outrage mounting, there are increasing calls for:
•Formation of an independent SIT to probe Lodha’s political ties and financial growth.
•CBI investigation into the honey trap angle and role of BJP leaders.
•Action against all ministers and officers involved or blackmailed.
•Transparency from CM Fadnavis, who is accused of misleading the Assembly.
This is no longer a personal scandal—it’s a statewide political crisis, exposing cracks in governance, misuse of power, and possible exploitation of women for political gains.
The Lodha case has shaken the credibility of the BJP in Maharashtra. As explosive claims by Eknath Khadse and Sanjay Raut emerge daily, the silence from the top leadership is deafening. How did a man booked under POCSO receive red carpet re-entry into the ruling party? Why did police fail to secure key digital evidence?
If the state fails to act transparently and swiftly, the public perception of political protection for sex offenders and extortionists could become irreversible.
Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT) will continue tracking this story with new leads, whistleblower testimonies, and evidence.
Unmesh Gujarathi is an Indian investigative journalist and media professional with over 28 years of experience in print and digital journalism. He is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sprouts News, an independent investigative publication headquartered in Mumbai, established in 2020.
Throughout his career, he has held editorial positions at leading media organisations, including:
DNA (Daily News & Analysis)
The Times Group
The Free Press Journal
Saamana
Dabang Dunia
Lokmat
His reporting has focused on investigative journalism, governance accountability, public policy, corruption, crime reporting and the Right to Information (RTI) framework in India.
As Editor-in-Chief of Sprouts News, he oversees:
Investigative direction
Editorial standards and verification protocols
Legal compliance and ethical review
Newsroom operations and accountability processes
Education & Academic Background
Unmesh Gujarathi holds:
Master of Commerce (M.Com)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Degree in Journalism
His academic background supports his reporting in areas related to governance, financial systems, public administration and regulatory matters.
Published Works & Contributions
In addition to newsroom leadership, he is the author of more than 12 books in Marathi and English. His published works cover topics including:
The RTI Act and transparency mechanisms
Political leadership, including writings on Balasaheb Thackeray
Career guidance
Investigative journalism practices
He has contributed to national dailies and digital media platforms, focusing on evidence-based reporting and public-interest journalism.