Kolkata Social Media Influencer Faces Serious Charges for Alleged Confinement and Assault
Police in Kolkata have registered a case against a local social media influencer for allegedly confining a 22-year-old woman at his residence for nearly 20 hours and subjecting her to physical assault and threats. The incident, which has sparked widespread outrage on social media, occurred in the Behala area of the city.
Details of the Alleged Incident
According to officials, the accused, a resident of Behala, was a friend of the complainant. In her complaint filed at Behala Police Station on Wednesday, the woman stated that she visited his house on February 2. She alleged that he held her captive from 9:30 PM that evening until 5:00 PM the following day. During this period, she reported being beaten, punched, and touched inappropriately, with the accused also pulling her clothes. An argument over an unspecified matter escalated, leading to threats against her.
Legal Action and Charges Filed
Based on her statement, police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The charges include:
- Section 127 (2): Wrongful confinement
- Section 115 (2): Voluntarily causing hurt
- Section 74: Assault or use of criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty
- Section 351 (2): Criminal intimidation
This legal action underscores the severity of the allegations and the commitment of authorities to address such crimes.
Social Media Backlash and Public Reaction
The accused, who has a following of 32,000 on Facebook and over a thousand followers on Instagram, has not released a public statement regarding the charges. Since the allegations came to light, his followers and the general public have expressed significant outrage on social media platforms, condemning the alleged actions and calling for justice. This case highlights the growing scrutiny on influencers and their conduct offline.
Context and Previous Arrest
In a related note, the accused, identified as Nikita Naik, was previously arrested on June 30 by the Powai police following a complaint by a retired professor's son for shifting his 82-year-old father to an old-age home. This adds to the pattern of legal issues surrounding the individual, though the current case is distinct and involves more serious personal violence allegations.
The investigation is ongoing, with police working to gather further evidence and statements. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability, regardless of social media status, and the need for swift action in matters of personal safety and justice.
