Raigarh Man Arrested for Alleged Rape After Backing Out of Marriage Promise

A 27-year-old youth from Raigarh was sent to judicial custody for allegedly raping a woman for two years under the pretext of marriage in Delhi.

 In a significant crackdown on crimes against women, the Raigarh police have arrested a man for allegedly duping a woman into a long-term live-in relationship under the false promise of marriage. The accused, identified as 27-year-old Akbar Ali, reportedly abandoned the victim in Delhi earlier this year after cohabiting with her for nearly two years.

The matter came to light on Friday when the victim, a resident of Bilaspur, approached the local Women's Police Station (Mahila Thana) to file a formal complaint. Following the report, the police acted swiftly to apprehend Ali from the Bajinpali Fatahmuda area under the Jute Mill police station limits.

Relationship started over phone

According to the First Information Report (FIR), the victim and the accused first came into contact via mobile phone back in 2017. Over the years, their acquaintance grew into a relationship. The victim alleged that Ali consistently assured her of marriage, gaining her trust over several years of conversation.

Forced stay in Delhi

The timeline of the assault traces back to August 2022, when the accused allegedly summoned the woman to Raigarh. Sources familiar with the matter said the first instance of physical assault took place at a friend’s residence in the city. Subsequently, in 2023, Ali persuaded the woman to move to Delhi with him.

The couple lived in a rented accommodation in the national capital for approximately two years. The victim stated that during this period, she was repeatedly subjected to sexual exploitation as the accused continued to use the promise of a future wedding as a tool for coercion.

Abandonment and legal action

The situation took a drastic turn in February 2026 when Ali abruptly refused to marry the woman. Leaving her alone in Delhi, he returned to his hometown in Chhattisgarh. Despite the victim’s repeated attempts to contact him and resolve the matter, Ali reportedly remained evasive and eventually issued a final refusal, prompting her to seek legal recourse in Raigarh.

Invoking the Atrocities Act

Taking note of the victim's background, the Raigarh police have tightened the legal noose around the accused. Besides charges of rape under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, authorities have added Section 3(2)(v) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act to the case.

"The accused was produced before a local court and has been sent on judicial remand to jail," a police official confirmed late Friday evening.

Message from the SSP

Raigarh Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shashi Mohan Singh emphasized that the department maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding crimes against women. Speaking on the arrest, the SSP urged women to come forward without fear. "Safety and dignity of women are our top priorities. We will ensure sensitive and strict action against anyone found playing with the honor of women," Singh stated.

The local administration is currently looking into whether there are any prior complaints against the accused as the investigation continues.