Hindustan Times (Delhi)

Colonel in 3day custody for raping colleague’s daughter

- Saurabh Chauhan letterschd@hindustant­imes.com

SHIMLA Army vows assistance in legal battle as police hunt for accomplice now absconding FIR ALLEGES RAPE ON PRETEXT OF HELPING THE WOMAN ADVANCE HER CAREER IN THE MODELLING INDUSTRY

SHIMLA: A court on Thursday sent an army Colonel, arrested on Wednesday for allegedly raping one of his colleague’s daughter, to three days in police custody.

The 21-year-old woman, an adopted daughter of a Lt Colonel and junior to the accused, had filed a complaint on Tuesday, alleging she was raped by the Colonel at his residence on Monday on the pretext that a meeting had been arranged with a choreograp­her for her prospects of a career in the modelling industry.

A case was registered against the Colonel following preliminar­y investigat­ions. The woman recorded her statement on Thursday, in which she said she was forced to consume liquor before being raped while another man held her. The police have failed to trace or identify the Colonel’s reported accomplice who is since absconding.

The woman’s complaint says the Colonel had invited her and her father, also posted at the Army Training Command (ARTRAC), for a function at Shimla Amateur Dramatics Club. “The Colonel suggested I can go to Mumbai to explore a career in modelling and can live with his daughter,” she said.

Police sources said the woman, on the Colonel’s request, had sent a few photograph­s and videos to him but was still asked to send more pictures.

“On Monday, he asked me to come to his place and discuss about my future in modelling,” says her complaint, and add that she was raped after being forced to consume liquor.

“I gained consciousn­ess and rushed back to my home. Colonel uncle also rushed back with my bag and threatened me to spoil my dad’s career in case I revealed the incident to anyone,” according to the FIR.

Responding to the developmen­t, the army tweeted on Thursday: “FIR lodged against one Colonel for Civil Offence at Sadar Police Station, Shimla #Himachalpr­adesh on 22 Nov 17. #Indianarmy will provide all necessary assistance to investigat­ive and legal processes.”

 ?? SAURABH CHAUHAN/HT ?? The rape accused Colonel (in hooded jacket) being escorted by the police to a court in Shimla on Thursday.
SAURABH CHAUHAN/HT The rape accused Colonel (in hooded jacket) being escorted by the police to a court in Shimla on Thursday.
 ??  ?? Maharashtr­a chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Maharashtr­a chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from India