Guwahati: Youth arrested for raping student under false promise of marriage

In yet another shocking incident of sexual violence in the city, a young man identified as Hemanta Sonowal from Dibrugarh has been arrested for allegedly raping a 19-year-old student of a reputed educational institute in Guwahati.

The crime was reportedly committed under the pretext of a false promise of marriage.

According to police sources, the accused had met the victim approximately two months ago via a dating app, where he falsely introduced himself as an officer with HPCL in Visakhapatnam. 

The relationship progressed over social media, particularly on Instagram, where they developed a romantic bond.

On April 20, Hemanta allegedly invited the girl to a hotel in Hatigaon, where he raped her during the night, police said. The next day, the survivor managed to escape the hotel premises and filed a complaint at Noonmati Police Station.

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Following the FIR, police launched a swift operation and apprehended the accused from a hotel in Bhangagarh. During interrogation, he contradicted his earlier claim of working at HPCL, stating instead that he is employed at IOCL in Digboi.

ADCP Shambhavi Mishra, speaking to the media from Noonmati Police Station, confirmed the arrest and stated that further investigation is underway to uncover the full extent of the deception and assault.

The disturbing case has sent shockwaves across the city, raising concerns about safety for women and the unchecked misuse of digital platforms for predatory behaviour. 

Authorities have assured that the investigation will be conducted with utmost urgency and seriousness.