A case of sexual assault and abuse has emerged from Bhavnagar district in Gujarat, where a 29-year-old man allegedly raped his younger sister twice and inflicted physical injuries on her. Police said the man was opposed to his 22-year-old sister’s consensual relationship with another man and used it as a means to blackmail and control her.
According to officials, the victim had been in a relationship with a man from their village for nearly three years, something her brother was fully aware of. However, instead of accepting her choices, he began using this information against her. Police said the accused, who is married and works as a driver, threatened his sister repeatedly before sexually assaulting her.
The first incident occurred on July 13, when the accused’s wife was away visiting her parents. The brother allegedly threatened his sister with a knife and then raped her. The second assault took place on August 22, when his wife was away again for personal reasons.
On this occasion, too, the victim was alone at home with her brother. During the second assault, police said, the accused not only raped his sister but also subjected her to cruel physical abuse by burning her thigh with a lit cigarette, leaving visible injuries.
The victim decided to come forward after the second incident. She reached out to the state’s women’s helpline and shared details of the abuse she had suffered. Acting swiftly, the authorities intervened, and a formal complaint was registered with the Bhavnagar police.
After her complaint, the accused was arrested. Police have also conducted medical examinations of both the survivor and the accused. The knife allegedly used during the assaults, as well as the clothes worn by the accused, have been recovered as evidence.
Investigators said further inquiry into the case is ongoing. Meanwhile, the disturbing incident has sparked outrage, highlighting the grave issue of sexual violence within families and the urgent need for stronger mechanisms to protect women even in their own homes.
