House owner arrested for raping domestic help in Dharmanagar

In a heinous incident, a house owner was arrested by the Dharmanagar Women Police Station on Tuesday for allegedly raping his domestic help repeatedly.

According to police sources, the accused has been identified as Mihir Kanti Nath (38), a resident of Sripur Gram Panchayat under Dharmanagar subdivision in North Tripura district. The crime came to light when the victim was found to be seven months pregnant.

Sources said the victim had been working as a domestic help at the accused’s house for the past two years after losing her husband. She had been living in distress with her minor son and daughter. After joining work at Nath’s residence, the accused allegedly subjected her to repeated sexual assault and other atrocities.

The victim stated that when she informed the accused about her pregnancy, he began abusing her and pressured her to undergo an abortion.

Despite continuous threats from the accused, the matter came to light on January 17 when the victim informed her family members. With assistance from the District Women Empowerment Centre, a complaint was lodged at the Dharmanagar Women Police Station.

Speaking to the media, Suriya Parvin, Coordinator of the District Women Empowerment Centre, said that when the victim was rescued, she was in a serious medical condition. She has since been sheltered at the ‘Sakhi One Stop Centre’, where she is receiving medical care, legal aid, and other necessary support.

With the help of legal assistance, the victim formally lodged her complaint on Monday night (January 19). Police registered a rape case and arrested the accused.

On Tuesday, the accused was produced before a First Class Judicial Magistrate, who remanded him to judicial custody till February 2.