Man Arrested for Allegedly Raping and Torturing Woman in Uttarakhand

A 28-year-old man from Uttarakhand has been apprehended by the police on charges of raping and tormenting a woman friend from West Bengal’s Darjeeling. The accused, identified as Paras, worked as a cook at a local eatery. He has been booked for rape, sodomy, and causing hurt. The incident came to light on 30 January.

Becoming Friends over the Phone

According to the police, the woman and the accused developed a friendship over the phone. They had been in contact for approximately 3-4 months before the incident occurred.

Victim’s Journey to Bengaluru

The victim had secured a job as a housemaid in Bengaluru and was scheduled to reach there in the first week of January. Since her train had a stopover in Delhi, she decided to meet Paras during the layover. Paras, promising to assist her in finding a job, convinced her to stay with him. Consequently, the victim resided with him for about a month in a rented accommodation in Raju Park, located in south Delhi’s Neb Sarai area.

Week-long Sexual Assault

Unfortunately, as time went by, Paras allegedly began physically abusing the victim and subjecting her to sexual assault for an entire week. The victim reported these heinous acts to the investigating officer. In one instance, Paras even poured scalding hot lentils over her, causing severe burn injuries.

Rescue and Hospitalization

On 30 January, the Neb Sarai police station received an urgent call reporting a case of domestic violence. The police promptly responded, rescuing the woman from the clutches of her tormentor. They immediately rushed her to AIIMS, a prestigious hospital in New Delhi. Upon examination, it was discovered that she had approximately 20 visible injury marks on her body.

Legal Action and Current Status

The police acted swiftly, registering a First Information Report (FIR) against Paras under sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 376 (rape), and 377 (sodomy) of the Indian Penal Code. The accused was apprehended on 2 February and is currently in custody. The investigation into the matter is ongoing, and the police are determined to ensure justice for the victim.

Conclusion

This disturbing incident serves as a reminder of the prevalence of gender-based violence in our society. The victim, who suffered unimaginable pain and trauma, has now been discharged from the hospital. It is crucial for the legal system to swiftly and effectively address such crimes and provide support to survivors. The fight against sexual assault and violence must continue to create a safer environment for everyone.

With inputs from PTI