A first division assistant (FDA) from Harapanahalli, currently employed at the Block Education Officer's (BEO) office in Sringeri, has been arrested on charges of maintaining a sexual relationship with a 23-year-old woman on the false promise of marriage and subsequently threatening her with severe consequences, police confirmed.
Arrest and Complaint Details
The accused, identified as YS Gagandeep, a resident of Tauduru Tanda in Harapanahalli taluk, was taken into custody on May 9 following a complaint filed by the woman at the Arasikere police station in Vijayanagara district. The case has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Allegations of Harassment and Abuse
According to PSI Shambhulinga C Hiremath, the complainant alleged that the accused had been harassing and pursuing her since her SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) days, pressuring her to reciprocate his romantic advances. In her detailed complaint, the woman stated that during the Deepavali celebrations in 2020, the accused allegedly called her out at night, promised to marry her, and sexually abused her. She further alleged that he threatened to kill her if she disclosed the incident to anyone.
The complainant also stated that the accused continued to sexually abuse her while she was pursuing her Pre-University Course (PUC) studies in Harapanahalli. She claimed that he took her to lodges and also called her to his house whenever she visited her native place. The complaint further mentioned that on April 25 this year, the accused allegedly took her to a friend's room in Davanagere and sexually abused her again.
Family Intervention and Threats
Police said the woman's family came to know about the matter after learning that she was seen with the accused in Davanagere. When questioned by family members, she narrated the entire sequence of incidents to them. According to the complaint, members of both families met near the Sri Marikamba temple in the tanda on April 26 to discuss the issue. During the meeting, the accused man's parents and relatives allegedly threatened the woman, stating that she would never be allowed to marry Gagandeep and that she would be killed without leaving any trace.
Investigation and Legal Action
Police have registered a case against 11 individuals in connection with the complaint, including the accused and his family members. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are gathering evidence to build a strong case. The accused remains in police custody, and further legal proceedings are expected to follow.
