Civic Volunteer Arrested for Alleged Rape and Blackmail in Kolkata

In a disturbing incident in Kolkata, a civic volunteer has been arrested for allegedly raping a female colleague while blackmailing her with compromising photographs. The victim bravely reported the abuse after enduring multiple assaults. The accused has been remanded in police custody as investigations continue. This case adds to a troubling pattern of violence against women involving civic volunteers in the region. Read on for more details about this alarming situation and the police's response.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 30, 2026, 13:01 IST

Incident Overview

Representational Image

Kolkata, July 30: Authorities have taken a civic volunteer into custody for allegedly raping a female colleague multiple times under the threat of blackmail, as reported by police on Thursday. This incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the Habra police station in the North 24 Parganas district.

As per police reports, both the accused and the victim are civic volunteers stationed at the Habra police station.

The suspect was arrested on specific charges and was presented before the Barasat court on Wednesday, where he was remanded into police custody for a duration of five days.

The victim disclosed that her male colleague had secretly taken photographs of her while she was changing into her uniform. He subsequently began to blackmail her with these images, coercing her into engaging in sexual acts.

She reported that the civic volunteer assaulted her repeatedly, threatening to distribute the photographs if she refused to comply. He also warned her of severe repercussions should she disclose the incidents to anyone.

Eventually, the woman mustered the courage to file a formal complaint at the Habra police station. Following a preliminary investigation, law enforcement apprehended the accused.

District police officials indicated that the civic volunteer faces multiple serious charges, including rape, intimidation, and threats.

A case has been officially registered, and the civic volunteer was dismissed from his position immediately after the complaint was lodged.

Barasat Police District Superintendent, J. Mercy, stated, "He was removed from duty following the complaint. A case has been registered."

It is noteworthy that in March of this year, another civic volunteer was arrested for allegedly molesting a teenage girl, who tragically took her own life due to the trauma from the incident. This occurred in Amta, Howrah district.

Additionally, in August 2024, the body of a female doctor was discovered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Following the rape and murder of the doctor, civic volunteer Sanjay Roy was arrested by the Kolkata Police the next day.