Kolkata Social Media Influencer Charged with Rape Following Friend's Allegations
In a significant development in Kolkata, police have added a rape charge against social media influencer Shamik Adhikary, who was arrested from Dum Dum on Friday. This escalation in the case is based on the detailed statement provided by his 22-year-old female friend, who is the complainant in this matter. Following his arrest, Adhikary was produced in court and subsequently remanded to police custody until February 16, as authorities continue their investigation into the serious allegations.
Details of the Allegations and Police Action
Shamik Adhikary, aged 25, was initially arrested in connection with allegations of wrongful confinement, assault, and sexual offences against a woman who identified him as a friend. The case took a more severe turn when the complainant submitted a further complaint at Behala Police Station on February 5. In this additional statement, she alleged that the accused committed penetrative sexual assault on February 3 without her consent. A lady officer meticulously recorded the woman's statement, leading to the addition of Section 64 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita to the case, which pertains to rape.
During the court proceedings, the state prosecution argued forcefully, highlighting that the survivor exhibited several marks of injury, which were described as serious. They emphasized that the trauma experienced by the woman caused a delay in her reporting the incident to the police, a point that underscores the psychological impact of the alleged crime. In response, the defence claimed that Adhikary and the complainant were old friends with a long-standing acquaintance. They contended that while there was a misunderstanding between the two on the night in question, there was no attempt by the accused to force himself on the woman. The defence also questioned the necessity of police remand, arguing that there was nothing left for the authorities to probe.
Police Investigation and Evidence
The police have been thorough in their investigation, completing a medico-legal examination of the complainant on Thursday at the MR Bangur Hospital. This examination is crucial in corroborating the physical evidence of assault. Furthermore, during the investigation, the accused reportedly admitted to possessing pictures of the woman in compromising conditions. Police informed the court that he used these images to threaten the survivor during the crime, adding a layer of coercion to the allegations.
An investigating officer provided key insights on Friday, stating, "The preliminary investigation has confirmed the victim's presence at the place of occurrence during the period mentioned in her complaint. The accused's presence has been verified using phone tower location." This technological evidence strengthens the case by placing both individuals at the scene. DCP (Behala-SWD) Rahul De elaborated on the procedural steps, saying, "The FIR was drawn up on Wednesday. On Thursday, we recorded the woman's statement. Based on that, the section of rape has been added." This sequence highlights the methodical approach taken by law enforcement in building the case.
Implications and Next Steps
The addition of the rape charge marks a critical juncture in this case, reflecting the gravity of the allegations against Shamik Adhikary. As a social media influencer, his arrest has drawn public attention, raising questions about accountability and safety in digital spaces. The police custody extension until February 16 will allow investigators to delve deeper into the evidence, including the threatening use of compromising pictures and the verification of events through phone records.
The defence's arguments regarding the nature of the relationship and the lack of force will likely be points of contention as the case progresses. However, the police's reliance on medical reports, witness statements, and technological data suggests a robust evidentiary foundation. This case underscores the importance of thorough investigation in sexual offence cases, particularly when involving high-profile individuals, and highlights the challenges in balancing legal defences with victim trauma.
As the investigation continues, all eyes will be on the Kolkata police and judicial system to ensure a fair and just resolution. The outcome could have broader implications for how similar cases are handled in the future, especially in the context of social media influence and personal relationships.
