Kolkata Woman Files FIR Over Sustained Harassment and Attempted Assault by Neighbor
A 25-year-old woman residing in south-east Kolkata has filed a formal written complaint with local authorities, alleging a prolonged and distressing campaign of harassment by a man living in her neighborhood. The complaint, submitted on March 5, details a series of incidents that began on November 13, involving both online and offline intimidation tactics.
Allegations of Stalking, Threats, and Blackmail
The woman has accused the man, identified as Ziaul Haque, of engaging in persistent stalking, issuing threats, and attempting blackmail. According to her complaint, Haque has been pressuring her to marry him, using aggressive and frightening methods to coerce her compliance. She reported that he followed her on the road on multiple occasions, attempting to approach her and leaving her feeling unsafe and terrified in her own community.
Incident of Attempted Assault with a Blade
On February 25, around 3:30 PM, the situation escalated dramatically. The woman alleged that Haque tried to forcibly stop her using a blade, with the intent to cause bodily harm. This attempted assault added a severe physical threat to the existing psychological torment, highlighting the dangerous nature of the harassment.
Online Harassment and Photo Manipulation
In addition to the offline stalking, the complaint includes serious allegations of online harassment. The woman claimed that her photograph was digitally edited and then circulated on social media platforms. This act was reportedly part of a strategy to publicly shame and pressure her into agreeing to marriage, exploiting technology to amplify the harassment.
FIR Lodged Under Multiple Sections of BNS
In response to the complaint, Kolkata police have taken swift action by registering a First Information Report (FIR) under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This legal step underscores the gravity of the allegations and initiates a formal investigation into the matter. Authorities are now examining the evidence and statements to pursue appropriate legal measures against the accused.
The case has drawn attention to issues of women's safety and the need for robust enforcement of laws against stalking and harassment in urban areas like Kolkata. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals, particularly women, in dealing with persistent threats from acquaintances or neighbors.
