Woman Alleges Rape, Blackmail, Extortion and Forced Religious Conversion; Two Arrested 

Nagpur: A 24-year-old woman, who is the wife of an Indian Air Force personnel, filed a complaint alleging that a former classmate drugged and sexually assaulted her, recorded objectionable videos, and later used those recordings to blackmail and repeatedly exploit her. She further alleged that she was extorted of money and subjected to coercive religious rituals against her will. Based on the complaint, police arrested two accused persons and launched a search for another individual allegedly connected to the incident. Electronic devices and digital evidence have been seized for forensic examination, and the investigation is continuing.  

According to police statements, the case involves allegations of rape, blackmail, extortion, and forced participation in religious rituals. A video reportedly submitted by the complainant is being examined as part of the investigation. Authorities have emphasized that the allegations will be assessed on the basis of forensic and other evidence collected during the investigation. 

Legal significance 

The allegations involve serious offences relating to sexual violence, extortion, and coercion. If it is established that the victim was administered an intoxicating substance and subjected to sexual intercourse without valid consent, the conduct may attract Section 63 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (Rape), punishable under Section 64 BNS. The alleged recording and subsequent use of intimate content to compel compliance may also constitute criminal intimidation under Section 351 BNS and extortion under Section 308 BNS, where threats are used to obtain money, property, or other benefits. 

The allegations further raise concerns regarding the unlawful capture and misuse of private images or videos through electronic means. In such circumstances, Section 66E of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (Violation of Privacy) may become relevant. The reported coercion to participate in religious practices against one’s will also engages the constitutional guarantee of freedom of conscience under Article 25 of the Constitution of India, while the acts complained of may amount to a violation of dignity, bodily autonomy, and privacy protected under Article 21. 

The case demonstrates how sexual exploitation can be facilitated through digital blackmail and psychological coercion, emphasizing the importance of forensic evidence, electronic records, and victim protection mechanisms in criminal investigations. 

📰 Source: Manorama Online (English)