A woman teacher in Lucknow has accused Ashish Kumar, a private bank employee, of rape after he allegedly lured her into a relationship with a promise of marriage. The woman, who was separated from her husband and independently raising two children, said Ashish coerced her into a live-in relationship in Sitapur and repeatedly forced sexual relations on her.
The accused reportedly abandoned her after refusing marriage, prompting the victim to file a police complaint. Local police have confirmed registering the case and launched a manhunt for Ashish Kumar, who remains at large. Authorities assure a thorough investigation, while the accused’s response is yet to surface.
Situation and Allegations
The complainant recounted how Ashish Kumar, identifying himself as a bank employee, approached her during her travel between Lucknow and Sitapur and promised marriage. Trusting his claims, she entered into a relationship and agreed to live with him. However, she alleges that Kumar later began pressuring her for sexual relations, which she claims were forced.
When she insisted on formalising the marriage, Ashish reportedly refused and fled the live-in arrangement. The woman felt compelled to seek legal recourse after enduring repeated exploitation. Police officers said her statement has been recorded, and efforts to apprehend Ashish Kumar are ongoing. “Given the seriousness of the allegations, we are conducting an exhaustive probe,” said a senior Lucknow police official.
Context and Background
The victim’s circumstances as a separated woman raising children alone add layers of vulnerability. Live-in relationships, while legally recognised in India, carry social stigma that often discourages victims from coming forward, especially women.
Cases involving false promises of marriage followed by sexual coercion are increasingly spotlighting the challenges faced by women in protecting consent and autonomy within personal relationships. Social activists highlight the need for better awareness, stronger legal enforcement, and community support to prevent exploitation and safeguard dignity.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This distressing case underscores the critical importance of trust, respect, and informed consent in relationships. It reveals how false assurances of marriage can be weaponised to exploit and abuse, devastating the lives of vulnerable women.
Society must cultivate empathy and accountability and push for legal mechanisms that safeguard victims without stigma. Supporting women in reclaiming agency while encouraging dialogue on healthy, consensual relationships is essential to social harmony.
