Delhi Capitals Cricketer Abhishek Porel Arrested in Hooghly Over Alleged Sexual Assault Case

Hooghly: Bengal cricketer Abhishek Porel, who has represented Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has been arrested by police in West Bengal’s Hooghly district in connection with allegations made by a woman who claimed that he had a sexual relationship with her after promising marriage.

Hooghly Rural Superintendent of Police Kunar Bhushan Singh confirmed that Porel was arrested late Monday night. He is expected to be produced before a court on Tuesday.

“There was a case lodged against him and a court order to arrest him,” Singh told PTI.

Calcutta High Court had directed arrest

Porel was arrested by personnel from Mogra police station following an order issued by the Calcutta High Court on July 20.

The court had directed police to take the cricketer into custody in connection with the case and also ordered authorities to seize his electronic devices. The measure was aimed at preventing the alleged circulation or dissemination of photographs of the complainant.

Police have registered a case under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 69, along with relevant sections of the Information Technology Act, according to police sources.

Woman alleges three-and-a-half-year relationship

The complaint was filed on June 23 by a young medical student from Karnataka at Mogra police station.

According to the complaint, the woman alleged that she and Porel had been in a relationship for approximately three-and-a-half years and had discussed plans to marry.

She also claimed that the two had travelled abroad together during their relationship. However, she alleged that Porel later denied being in a relationship with her, prompting her to approach the police.

The complaint further stated that the two had a disagreement around 18 months ago, which reportedly led to an escalation and their appearance at a police station. No formal complaint was filed at that time, according to the allegations.

Police had been unable to locate Porel

After receiving the complaint in June, police began investigating the allegations and reportedly visited Porel’s residence in Chandannagar several times.

However, officers were unable to locate him at the residence.

The woman subsequently moved the Calcutta High Court seeking legal intervention. During the proceedings, allegations involving criminal intimidation and other offences were also raised in addition to the sexual assault allegation.

Following the court’s July 20 order, police proceeded with the arrest.

Porel has previously denied the allegations against him.

He is expected to be produced before a court in Chinsurah, where further legal proceedings will take place. Statements from Porel and his family following his arrest were awaited.