A senior woman director and chartered accountant from Mumbai has been subjected to unrelenting harassment and stalking for nearly two years by a man named Saurav Raidhani from Uttarakhand. The saga began in 2017 when Raidhani first contacted her through LinkedIn. Initially, the woman ignored his messages, but starting 2023, the harassment escalated aggressively with Raidhani sending sexually explicit texts, unsolicited gifts, and persistent personal advances.
When the woman blocked his mobile number, Raidhani allegedly circumvented the blockage by using over 100 SIM cards to send vulgar texts and make unsolicited calls, even tracking her location across India and abroad. Disturbingly, he reportedly appeared at airports and hotels where she was present.
Mumbai Crime Branch has registered an FIR under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Information Technology Act to address this grave violation of privacy and dignity.
Evidence and Police Response
The complainant has painstakingly documented hundreds of unsolicited messages, screen grabs of vulgar content, video clips, and a detailed list of phone numbers used by the accused. Police officials, including Woman Police Sub-Inspector Trupti Patil from Crime Unit 3, are actively investigating the case.
The investigation highlights Raidhani’s misuse of telecommunications technology, including his attempt to open a Demat trading account in the victim’s company’s name, intensifying the harassment. The FIR cites offences such as stalking, outraging the modesty of a woman, sending obscene materials electronically, and causing mental harassment.
Police sources confirm the victim’s assertion that the accused continued his intrusive behaviour despite repeated blocks and complaints, demonstrating the complex nature of cyberstalking in today’s digitally interconnected world.
Background and Broader Context
This case offers a stark glimpse into the increasing vulnerability faced by professionals, especially women, in the virtual realm. Cyberstalking exploits the anonymity and vast reach of modern communication tools to perpetrate harassment that extends beyond borders. Such stalking is aggravated when offenders harness multiple SIM cards and digital platforms to avoid detection or legal restrictions.
The incident also underscores challenges law enforcement faces in addressing cyber crimes swiftly and effectively. While Mumbai police have assured stringent measures, this case reflects a broader need for more robust cyber laws, victim protection frameworks, and awareness about digital safety.
It parallels other recent cases where victims faced similar harassment, highlighting an urgent societal concern calling for coordinated legal and social responses.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The exploitation of technology to violate personal boundaries and dignity demands a collective societal reckoning. The Logical Indian urges that cyber harassment be met with firm legal action, heightened public awareness, and the creation of empathetic support structures for survivors.
It is imperative to foster digital environments that uphold respect and safety for all users, especially women who face disproportionate risks. This story prompts reflection on how communities and policymakers can innovatively secure virtual spaces while promoting kindness and peaceful coexistence.
