In August 2024, the Winnipeg Police Service’s Counter Exploitation Unit launched an investigation following a report of a female youth being sexually assaulted by an adult male she had met through social media.
Investigators identified the suspect as Sanjay Phulchand Rathod, a 40-year-old male from Winnipeg. Rathod, described as South Asian, approximately 6ft tall, 160 lbs, with short dark-colored hair, a short-haired goatee, and small scarring on his forehead, used the false identity of “Sam Rachen” to contact and lure the teenage victim through a social media platform. Over approximately three weeks, Rathod formed an exploitative relationship with the victim, arranging meetings to engage in sexual contact in exchange for alcohol and money.
On September 3, investigators arrested Rathod without incident. He faces multiple charges, including:
The investigation is ongoing. Authorities urge anyone with information or who may have been in contact with Rathod to reach out to Counter-Exploitation investigators at 204-986-4281 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-8477 (TIPS) or online at winnipegcrimestoppers.org.
© 2024 News4.ca
