A woman in Varanasi has filed a rape case against her 60-year-old neighbor, six years after the alleged incident, with the support of her husband whom she married just two months ago, police said on Sunday.
Background of the Case
The woman, who was a Class 10 student at the time of the alleged rape in 2019, found the courage to come forward after marrying her husband in April 2026. She narrated her ordeal to him, and he decided to fight for justice by approaching senior police officers.
Details of the Alleged Crime
According to the complaint, the woman was waiting outside her coaching center for it to open when her neighbor, Dashrath Patel, took her to the pathology center he ran and allegedly raped her. The accused continued to sexually exploit her through blackmail and intimidation until 2025, police said.
Legal Action Taken
Mirzamurad Station House Officer (SHO) Gopalji Kushwaha confirmed that a case has been registered against Dashrath Patel under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Police teams are actively searching for the accused, and he will be arrested soon, the SHO added.
The case highlights the importance of support systems for survivors of sexual violence, as the woman's husband played a crucial role in helping her seek justice after years of silence.
