Panchayat up-pradhan arrested for sexual assault in Mandi
The Himachal Pradesh police have registered a case against Jitender Kumar, the up-pradhan (vice-president) of Rohanda gram panchayat under Nihri tehsil in Mandi district, following allegations of sexual assault and criminal intimidation filed by a 45-year-old married woman.
Incident details: Forced entry and rape
According to police reports, the accused allegedly forced his way into the victim's room in Balh tehsil on May 27 and raped her. The survivor, a married woman, has stated that Kumar has been blackmailing her since the assault.
Blackmail and threats
The victim further alleged that Kumar threatened to create and distribute flex banners featuring her photographs to ruin her reputation. He also issued death threats against her husband and son, according to the police complaint.
Legal action under BNS
The police have registered a case under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): Section 64(1) (rape), Section 78 (stalking/harassment), Section 352 (intentional insult), and Section 351(2) (criminal intimidation). The investigation is ongoing.
