Accused Under Custody as Police Probe Allegations of Sexual Assault, Blackmail, and Coercion
Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, May 16 – A cleric has been arrested in Meerut district following serious allegations of rape, blackmail, and prolonged coercion by a 21-year-old college student, police confirmed on Friday.According to officials at the Lohiannagar police station, the arrest was made after the victim filed a formal complaint detailing the alleged abuse she endured over the past two years.
Allegations Include Blackmail, Sexual Assault, and Forced Abortion
In her complaint, the student accused the cleric of initially befriending her under the guise of helping her secure a job. She alleged that he later established a physical relationship with her without her consent and began threatening her. Over time, the accused reportedly recorded an objectionable video and used it to blackmail her repeatedly.The victim further stated that when she raised the issue of marriage, the cleric took her to another location where, according to her, four of his associates raped her.
She also alleged that after learning she was pregnant, the cleric took her to a hotel and forced her to ingest an intoxicating substance, which resulted in an abortion.
FIR Registered; Gang-Rape Claim Under Investigation
Based on the woman's complaint, a First Information Report (FIR) has been filed under the applicable sections of the Indian Penal Code. Lohiannagar Station House Officer (SHO) Yogesh Chandra confirmed the arrest and said a preliminary investigation is underway.While the allegation of gang-rape has not yet been substantiated in the initial findings, police are actively investigating all aspects of the case.
The investigation continues as authorities work to verify the full scope of the accusations.
