Mumbai Police have filed a case against a 29-year-old PhD student based in the United States for allegedly sexually assaulting, physically harming, and threatening a 31-year-old Indian woman studying abroad, under the pretext of marriage. The accused, a resident of Lower Parel in central Mumbai, and the victim from the nearby Mahim suburb reportedly met through a matrimonial contact.

Officials confirmed the incidents occurred over five months, from January 1 to June 12, 2025, at a luxury hotel in Bandra and various locations in the US. The accused's father holds a senior executive position at a prominent private bank, though no further details on his identity were disclosed.

According to the First Information Report (FIR) lodged at Bandra police station, the accused is pursuing a doctorate at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). He initiated contact with the victim via a marriage proposal intermediary and, after multiple meetings, convinced her to book a hotel room in Bandra to discuss "important life matters". There, he allegedly sexually assaulted her, exploiting the situation for deceitful intercourse.

The abuse continued during their time in the US, where the pair overlapped as international students. This case underscores a rising trend of crimes against women in cross-border relationships, with Indian authorities increasingly pursuing overseas investigations through mutual legal assistance treaties.

Tensions escalated when the victim discovered the accused exchanging marriage-related messages with other women, prompting her to confront him. In response, he allegedly assaulted her physically, hurling insults and threats, including vows to leak her nude photographs online and even set her ablaze. These acts of intimidation left the victim in fear, delaying her report until she confided in her mother for emotional support.

Empowered by family backing, she approached Mumbai Police last week, triggering swift action. Such incidents highlight vulnerabilities faced by Indian students abroad, where cultural pressures around marriage can mask exploitative behaviours, as noted in recent reports by women's rights groups like the National Commission for Women.

Also Read: India and US Race to Seal Landmark Trade Deal Before Deadline

The FIR invokes key provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), India's updated criminal code effective since July 2024: Section 69 for sexual intercourse by deceitful means, Section 115(2) for voluntarily causing hurt, Section 352 for intentional insults provoking breach of peace, and Section 351(2) for criminal intimidation. No arrest has been made yet, as the accused remains in the US, but police are coordinating with US authorities for extradition possibilities and digital evidence collection.

The investigation is ongoing, with officers emphasising victim sensitivity and the potential for additional charges based on forensic analysis. This development serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust support systems for diaspora students navigating personal and professional challenges overseas.

Also Read: BJP Releases Second List for Bihar Polls, Fields Singer Maithili Thakur from Alinagar