Abishek Porel arrested in rape case following Calcutta High Court order
Abishek Porel, a wicketkeeper-batter for Bengal and the Delhi Capitals, was arrested by Bengal Police on Tuesday in connection with a rape case. The arrest follows a complaint filed by a medical student, according to an official statement.
Porel was taken into custody in Hooghly and formally arrested after questioning. He was subsequently sent for a medical examination and produced before the Chinsurah Court.
Allegations and Legal Proceedings
The case originates from a complaint lodged at Mogra Police Station by a woman who alleges that Porel established a physical relationship with her under the promise of marriage. The complaint also includes allegations of criminal intimidation and the recording of intimate moments. These allegations have not been established in court and remain under investigation.
The arrest comes weeks after the Calcutta High Court directed Bengal Police to apprehend Porel in connection with the case. An order dated July 14 instructed police to continue efforts to arrest Porel and another accused. The court also ordered the seizure of electronic devices to prevent the dissemination of alleged private material linked to the complainant.
Police had informed the court that a pen drive had already been seized and sent for forensic examination. The complainant had approached the High Court, alleging police inaction and claiming that Porel had threatened to make private photographs public. According to the complaint, the woman first came into contact with Porel in 2023, and their relationship reportedly led to discussions about marriage involving their families.
Police have registered a case against the cricketer under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 69, and the Information Technology Act. A medical student from Karnataka filed the complaint at Mogra police station on June 23, alleging a relationship of around three-and-a-half years and plans for marriage. The woman also claimed they had travelled abroad together.
According to the complaint, a dispute between the two occurred approximately a year and a half ago, escalating to the police station, though no complaint was filed at that time. Following the June complaint, police initiated an investigation, with teams visiting Porel’s residence in Chandannagar multiple times without locating him. The woman then approached the Calcutta High Court, which directed the police to arrest Porel.
Impact on Cricket Career
Porel has been a notable figure in Bengal cricket, representing the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League. A left-handed wicketkeeper-batter, he made his first-class debut for Bengal during the 2021-22 season and later received call-ups for India A. He joined the Delhi Capitals setup in 2023 and has been part of the franchise’s IPL squad in recent seasons.
The legal case now represents a significant development in the young cricketer’s career. The investigation and court proceedings are expected to determine the subsequent steps. The complainant’s allegations include rape, criminal intimidation, and other offences. Porel had previously denied the allegations and stated he would respond in detail after the police inquiry.
With his arrest confirmed, the case progresses to the next stage of the legal process. Porel remains an accused, and any determination of guilt will be made through the judicial process. Hooghly (Rural) Superintendent of Police Kunar Bhushan Singh stated that Porel was arrested late Monday night and would be produced in court on Tuesday.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
