Special Correspondent
Pune: A 32-year-old journalist from Delhi has accused Dr. Abhishek Sharma, a 35-year-old Squadron Leader in the Indian Air Force currently posted at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), of sexually assaulting her under the false promise of marriage. The alleged incidents reportedly took place at a private lodge and his bachelor accommodation in Pune.
The matter surfaced after the victim filed a complaint with Wanawadi police. Following her statement, a case was registered against Dr. Sharma under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, including charges of rape, criminal intimidation, and intentional insult.
Meeting on Defense Matrimonial Site
The victim shared that she had registered on a defense matrimonial platform in December 2024, seeking a partner. She connected with Dr. Sharma on December 8, and their conversations soon moved to WhatsApp. After expressing mutual interest, they agreed to meet in Pune.
On December 16, the journalist traveled to Pune and visited Dr. Sharma at his bachelor accommodation at AFMC. Upon arrival, she found him working in his room, with his roommate present. She suggested going out for dinner to discuss marriage, but Dr. Sharma insisted they eat in his room.
Allegations of Sexual Assault
After dinner, the roommate went to sleep in the hall while the victim and Dr. Sharma continued talking in the bedroom. According to the victim, she slept on the bed while Dr. Sharma slept on the floor. However, around 11:30 p.m., he allegedly approached her, expressed his intention to marry her, and forcibly assaulted her.
The next morning, Dr. Sharma left for work, assuring the victim of marriage before dropping her off at the AFMC gate. The victim returned to Mumbai but was deeply affected by the incident. Despite confronting him, Dr. Sharma reportedly continued making false promises.
Second Incident and Verbal Abuse
On December 21, the victim returned to Pune to discuss their marriage plans. However, Dr. Sharma did not meet her as agreed. The following day, they met at a mall, where Dr. Sharma allegedly consumed alcohol, verbally abused her, and declared that he had no intention of marrying her. He allegedly threatened to abandon her or enter into a contractual marriage only to divorce her later.
Despite the abuse, the victim claims that Dr. Sharma lured her back with renewed promises of marriage before assaulting her again.
Police Investigation and Legal Proceedings
After Dr. Sharma began avoiding her calls and eventually blocked her, the victim sought police help. Deputy Commissioner of Police Dr. Rajkumar Shinde confirmed that a case has been registered and an investigation is underway.
Authorities have gathered CCTV footage from key locations and are working to apprehend Dr. Sharma, who has reportedly applied for anticipatory bail in Pune District and Sessions Court. Police Sub-Inspector Pallavi Doke is leading the investigation.
The incident has sparked public outrage, with demands for swift justice for the journalist. Authorities are under pressure to ensure Dr. Sharma is brought to account for his alleged actions.
