Navsari: Police in Navsari have registered a rape case against a garment shop owner following a complaint by a Hindu woman who alleged that he repeatedly sexually assaulted her over the past two years and subjected her to harassment and financial exploitation.

According to the complaint lodged at Navsari Town Police Station, the accused, identified as Mohammad Parvez Lalbabu Alam (Ansari), allegedly raped the woman on multiple occasions after she began working at his tailoring shop, Zainab Fashion, in the Sattapir area. Police have registered a case and launched efforts to arrest the accused.

The complainant alleged that the accused frequently called and messaged her while she was employed at the shop. In January 2024, he allegedly asked her to come to his flat in Noor Manzil Apartment in Navsari on the pretext of preparing food, claiming that his wife had injured her hand.

According to the FIR, while the woman was carrying out household chores at the flat, the accused allegedly forced her into a bedroom and raped her. The complainant stated that she continued working at the shop due to financial difficulties and because her salary was pending.

The woman further alleged that in March 2024, the accused took her to Dandi beach in Jalalpore taluka on the pretext of work and sexually assaulted her multiple times in a secluded area near the coastline.

In her complaint, the woman also accused the shop owner of harassment and financial exploitation. She alleged that an Activa scooter was purchased in her name but remained in the accused’s possession and use, while loan instalments for the vehicle are still being paid. She further claimed that the accused retained her mobile phone and had physically assaulted her on previous occasions.

The complainant told police that she eventually left the job due to the alleged harassment and abuse. She said she initially did not inform her family about the incidents out of fear of social stigma. However, after the accused allegedly continued to contact her and pressure her into a relationship even after she quit the job, she informed her mother about the matter.

Based on the complaint, Navsari Town Police have registered a case against Mohammad Parvez Lalbabu Alam and initiated further investigation. Police said efforts are underway to apprehend the accused. DeshGujarat