In a disturbing case from Punjab, a young woman has accused a man of repeatedly sexually assaulting her based on a false promise of marriage, leading to the registration of a zero FIR and a multi-jurisdiction police investigation.
Complaint Details and Allegations
A 25-year-old woman has filed a formal complaint against a youth identified as Jagdev Singh, a resident of the Ramamandi area in Batala. According to her statement to the police, Singh first befriended her and gradually built a relationship with her by consistently promising marriage. After gaining her trust under this pretext, he allegedly sexually assaulted her.
The victim further stated that the accused later lured her to Zirakpur. There, he allegedly raped her again, this time with the assistance of his associates. The identities of these accomplices remain unknown at this stage of the investigation.
Threats, Assault, and Legal Action
The situation escalated when the woman insisted that Singh honour his promise and marry her. The accused not only refused but also assaulted her and threatened to kill her. Following what she described as sustained mental and physical harassment, the victim gathered the courage to approach the Ajitwal police station in the Moga district to lodge a formal complaint on January 7, 2026.
Since the primary incidents, including the alleged rape in Zirakpur, fell outside Moga's jurisdiction, the Ajitwal police followed standard procedure. They registered a zero FIR and promptly transferred the case documents to the Zirakpur police station for further investigation and appropriate legal action.
Charges and Ongoing Investigation
The Zirakpur police have registered a formal case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The charges invoked are serious and comprehensive. Jagdev Singh and his unidentified associates have been booked under sections 64 (rape), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 190 (offence committed by multiple persons), and 351(2) (criminal intimidation).
Police officials have confirmed that an active investigation is underway. Efforts are currently focused on identifying and tracing the accused's associates who are alleged to have aided in the crime in Zirakpur. The case highlights the use of legal provisions like the zero FIR, designed to ensure victims can register complaints irrespective of jurisdiction, and the application of the new BNS in serious criminal allegations.
