Authorities have arrested a 35-year-old tarot card reader in Himachal Pradesh, following allegations of rape leveled against him in Delhi last year. The arrest comes after the victim, on March 1, reported to the police that Sidhant Joshi, the accused, had purportedly raped her under the false pretense of marriage, subsequent to her seeking assistance to resolve a dispute with a friend.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (southwest) Rohit Meena, the victim further asserted that Joshi had allegedly taken private photographs and videos of her, subsequently employing them as leverage to intimidate her.
Upon receiving the complaint, law enforcement swiftly initiated action, registering an FIR and assembling a dedicated team to pursue and apprehend the accused. Utilizing surveillance of Joshi’s mobile phone, authorities pursued him across multiple states, tracing his movements from Uttar Pradesh through Uttarakhand to Punjab. Ultimately, Joshi was intercepted and detained in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh.
DCP Meena elaborated on the arrest, stating that Joshi confessed to the crime during interrogation, admitting to exploiting the victim on multiple occasions. An FIR has been filed against him under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including sections 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation), with investigations ongoing.
The swift and decisive action by law enforcement underscores their commitment to ensuring justice for victims of such heinous crimes. As the investigation progresses, authorities continue to urge individuals to come forward with any information pertinent to the case, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in combating such offenses and safeguarding the well-being of all members of society.
