Mumbai Jeweller Booked for Sexual Assault After Accusing Domestic Help of Theft

A 55-year-old jeweller who sought to file a theft complaint against his 27-year-old domestic help has been charged with sexual assault. The woman revealed her ordeal during police questioning, an official stated on Tuesday. The investigation took a significant turn when the woman disclosed that she was raped by the jeweller multiple times.

The jeweller, along with his wife, approached the police on Saturday, accusing the domestic help of stealing Rs 15,000. This led to a case being registered under section 306 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against the woman, who was then taken into custody. Initially, she admitted to the theft but later broke down and revealed details of repeated sexual assaults by the jeweller.

Allegations of Repeated Assaults

The woman, who is married, stated that she had been employed at the jeweller's residence since February 2024. She claimed that the assaults occurred in the jeweller's bedroom, often when his wife was not present. According to her, the jeweller would frequently molest her, taking advantage of situations when she was alone.

Initially, she thought the touches were accidental. However, in late June, he touched her inappropriately and expressed his liking for her. An investigating officer mentioned that she also narrated how the jeweller threatened her whenever she confronted him, saying no one would believe her because she was just a servant.

Escalation of Threats and Assaults

The situation escalated on July 7 afternoon when the jeweller's wife left home to walk their dog. The jeweller allegedly grabbed her in the kitchen and dragged her into the bedroom where he sexually assaulted her. She sustained injuries and her clothes were torn. The accused reportedly threatened her with dire consequences if she disclosed the incident.

On July 18, the jeweller allegedly raped her again after his wife left the house. He threatened to kill her husband and their child if she disclosed the incident. To keep the matter under wraps, he began offering her money, which she refused. On one occasion, he even forced a gold locket into her bag after returning from an out-of-town trip.

Police Investigation and Charges

A senior police officer confirmed that a case has been registered against the jeweller under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including rape, assault, and criminal intimidation. "The process of arresting the accused is underway, and we are conducting a thorough investigation into the matter," said the officer.

The woman has been sent for a medical examination. Despite her fear of losing her job and not being able to find another, she mustered the courage to tell him that she would report his behaviour to his wife. The threats continued nonetheless.

This case highlights serious allegations against an employer by a domestic worker who initially approached authorities for theft charges but ended up revealing much more severe accusations.