Kullu police have apprehended a man from Bilaspur based on allegations of rape against a 32-year-old woman. The victim, who was reportedly undergoing treatment at a de-addiction centre in Bhuntar, Kullu district, identified the accused as Naresh, a resident of Bilaspur, whom she knew.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the alleged incident occurred on August 10. According to the complaint filed by the woman, the accused purportedly took her from the rehabilitation centre in Bhuntar to a hotel. It is alleged that at the hotel, he provided her with alcohol before engaging in forceful physical relations. Following the alleged assault, Naresh is said to have transported the woman to her rented accommodation in Bilaspur before leaving her there.
The woman subsequently lodged a complaint at the Women’s Police Station in Bilaspur. A Zero FIR was registered at the Bilaspur station and subsequently transferred to Kullu for further investigation. A case has now been registered at the Kullu Women’s Police Station under Sections 64 and 305(A) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), formerly the Indian Penal Code, based on the victim’s statement and the transferred FIR.
In addition to the alleged rape, the victim also claimed that upon returning to her rented room, she discovered that approximately Rs 9 lakh in cash was missing. She stated that when she attempted to contact Naresh regarding the missing money, he allegedly blocked her phone number, further exacerbating her distress.
Kullu Superintendent of Police, Abishek Sekar, confirmed the arrest and stated that an investigation into the matter is ongoing. The accused was taken into custody from Bilaspur. Police are conducting a comprehensive inquiry to ascertain the full details and gather evidence pertaining to the allegations.
The incident highlights the vulnerabilities of individuals seeking treatment in rehabilitation centres and raises concerns about the safety and security protocols in place. The involvement of alleged financial misappropriation alongside the sexual assault underscores the multifaceted nature of the criminal complaint filed by the victim.
The legal proceedings will now involve the formal charging of the accused, followed by a trial if the prosecution builds a sufficient case based on the evidence collected. The transferred FIR indicates that the primary jurisdiction for the alleged offences lies with the Kullu district, given that the alleged rape took place within its boundaries. The subsequent discovery of the missing cash in Bilaspur may involve further investigation and potential coordination between police forces of the two districts, depending on the findings.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which has replaced the Indian Penal Code, aims to reform and consolidate provisions relating to criminal offences. Sections 64 and 305(A) of the BNS pertain to specific offences, and their exact application will be determined during the legal process. The case underscores the gravity of the charges faced by the accused.
The police have appealed to the public for any information that could aid their investigation. The Kullu district administration has been working to ensure the safety and security of its residents, and such incidents are being treated with utmost seriousness. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses and more details emerge.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
