Café Owner in Lucknow Faces Serious Charges Including Sexual Harassment and Blackmail
In a shocking development in Lucknow, the owner of a café located in the Gomtinagar area has been formally charged with multiple serious offenses, including sexual harassment, blackmail, and coercing women employees into flesh trade activities. The police announced these charges on Thursday, highlighting a disturbing case that has sent ripples through the community.
FIR Registered Following Complaint by 28-Year-Old Woman
An FIR was officially registered at the Gomtinagar police station against the accused, identified as Jamal, who also goes by the alias Rahul. This legal action was initiated based on a detailed complaint filed by a 28-year-old woman, who bravely came forward to report the atrocities she endured. According to police officials, the woman alleged that the accused befriended her under a false identity, leading to a series of exploitative events.
The woman detailed how she was sexually exploited and subsequently blackmailed, with the accused threatening to circulate intimate videos of her. This coercion was part of a calculated effort to force her into working at spa centers and engaging in acts against her will, effectively pushing her into flesh trade activities. The police have invoked several sections of the law related to sexual harassment, criminal intimidation, and cheating, with additional charges of human trafficking currently under consideration as the investigation deepens.
Police Seal Café Premises and Seize Banned Items
In response to the allegations, the police took immediate action by sealing the café premises. During the operation, authorities seized hookahs and other banned items, indicating potential violations of prohibitory orders related to hookah use. This enforcement action was carried out separately from the criminal case registered against the owner, underscoring the multifaceted nature of the investigation.
Inspector Brijesh Chandra Tiwari of the Gomtinagar police station provided further insights, stating that police are actively verifying allegations that other women may have been similarly coerced. Efforts are underway to identify and contact former employees to determine if a wider network was operating under the guise of legitimate business activity. This proactive approach aims to uncover any additional victims and dismantle any potential criminal operations linked to the café.
The case has drawn significant attention from local authorities and the public, emphasizing the need for vigilance against such exploitative practices. As the investigation continues, police are committed to ensuring justice for all affected individuals and preventing similar incidents in the future.
