One booked for sexual assault, blackmail of UK-based woman

A UK-based woman has filed a formal complaint alleging sexual assault, blackmail and financial extortion against a resident of Ferozepur district. A case was registered and referred to the NRI (Non-Resident Indian) wing of the district police for further investigation.

According to a complaint submitted by the victim woman (Saroj-not real name) originally from Masetke village in Ferozepur district, currently residing in England, the accused — identified as Sukhdev Singh, a resident of Kamalwala village, Ferozepur district — allegedly lured her to a location in Sultanpur Lodhi under false pretences. There, she claimed, he physically assaulted her and engaged in non-consensual sexual acts.

The complainant further alleged that the accused recorded explicit videos and photographs without her consent and later used these materials to blackmail her. According to her statement, she was threatened with the public release of these images and videos unless she complied with his demands, which allegedly included further unwanted sexual acts and monetary payments.

The matter was initially brought before the local police, and based on the seriousness of the allegations, a case was registered. The Director General of Police (DGP), NRI Wing, Punjab, has given instructions to initiate a thorough inquiry into the matter. No arrest has been made so far.

The police emphasised that an investigation was in its preliminary stage and due process would be followed to ensure justice to the victim. “The matter is sensitive and will be handled with utmost care, ensuring dignity and rights of both the complainant and the accused,” said an official from the NRI wing of the Police Department. — OC

Jalandhar