A disturbing case of alleged sexual violence has emerged from Gwalior, where a 21-year-old woman has filed a formal complaint with the police, accusing a distant relative who serves in the Indian Army of repeatedly raping her over an extended period. The Gwalior Police have registered a case against the accused soldier for sexual assault and criminal intimidation, initiating a search operation to locate him.
Details of the Allegations
The complainant, whose identity is protected, stated that the accused, a man in his 30s, had been in regular contact with her for approximately two years. According to her statement to the authorities, he would frequently visit her home and maintain phone communication, during which he expressed affection and made repeated promises to marry her.
Incident on January 4, 2025
As per the First Information Report (FIR), the alleged abuse escalated on January 4, 2025. The accused reportedly called the woman, claiming he was in her neighborhood to attend a friend's birthday party and wished to spend time with her. Under this pretext, he allegedly took her to a secluded hut located in a field on the outskirts of her village, telling her that a friend would join them there.
At the spot, the survivor claimed that the accused offered her a cold drink laced with a sedative. After consuming it, she began experiencing dizziness and drowsiness. Taking advantage of her vulnerable state, the accused allegedly raped her. When she regained consciousness and resisted, he assured her of marriage and warned her against disclosing the crime.
Pattern of Abuse and Coercion
The woman further alleged that over the following year, the accused continued to sexually assault her on multiple occasions. He reportedly used the promise of marriage as a tool to coerce her into silence, repeatedly exploiting her trust and emotional vulnerability.
Threats and Police Complaint
According to the complainant, when she and her family recently confronted the accused about the marriage promise, he allegedly refused and issued severe threats. He warned that he would kill her and her family members if she approached the police. Following this intimidation, the survivor mustered the courage to inform her parents about the multiple episodes of sexual assault.
On Tuesday, she formally lodged a police complaint, leading to the registration of an FIR. The Gwalior Police have booked the accused under relevant sections for sexual assault and criminal intimidation, and a manhunt is underway to apprehend him. This case highlights serious concerns about abuse of trust and the challenges survivors face in reporting such crimes, especially when the accused holds a position of authority.
