Surat Woman Accuses Distant Cousin of Rape and Blackmail in Hotel Room Assault
A 42-year-old woman in Surat has filed a police complaint accusing a distant cousin of raping her in a hotel room, taking nude photographs, and using them to blackmail and coerce her into further compliance. The incident, which occurred within the limits of the Amroli police station, has led to the booking of the accused under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for rape and criminal intimidation.
Deceptive Lure and Initial Assault
According to police reports, the accused allegedly lured the woman to a hotel under the false pretext of seeking her help to resolve marital issues. He claimed that his wife had stopped communicating with him due to financial distress, and he needed the victim's intervention. In April 2023, the victim first met the accused at his home in a village in Amreli district. After falling into debt, he relocated to Surat with his family in 2024, from where he re-established contact with the victim.
He called her to a complex in the Singapor area, suggesting they speak in a hotel room to avoid neighbors overhearing any potential arguments. Once inside the room, he locked the door and allegedly raped her. Following the assault, he took nude photographs of the victim and threatened to circulate them if she did not comply with his demands.
Escalating Threats and Repeated Assaults
The harassment did not end with the initial incident. The accused used the photographs to repeatedly threaten and coerce the woman. When she resisted his demands, he allegedly showed up at her house and threatened to reveal everything to her family and neighbors. Out of fear, the woman accompanied him to another hotel, where he raped her again. This pattern of intimidation and assault continued, creating a cycle of terror for the victim.
As the harassment persisted, the woman finally gathered the courage to approach the Amroli police and file a formal complaint. Her decision to come forward has initiated a police investigation into the matter.
Legal Action and Police Investigation
Amroli police have registered a case against the accused under specific sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita:
- Section 64(2)(f): Related to rape.
- Section 64(2)(m): Pertaining to criminal intimidation.
- Section 115(2): Addressing aspects of criminal intimidation.
- Section 351(2): Concerning assault or criminal force.
The police have begun a thorough investigation into the allegations, focusing on gathering evidence and statements to build a strong case. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward to assist in the inquiry.
This case highlights the severe consequences of sexual violence and blackmail, underscoring the importance of legal recourse and support for victims. The community and law enforcement are closely monitoring the developments as the investigation progresses.
