Kolkata man arrested for rape, extortion after luring girlfriend to birthday party
Synopsis
A Kolkata man allegedly used a birthday party invitation to lure his girlfriend into an assault, then extracted ₹1.5 lakh from her under the guise of a business venture — and cut off contact once the money was received. The arrest, made by Purba Jadavpur police, underscores a recurring pattern of trust-based exploitation originating on social media.
Key Takeaways
Anubhav Bhattacharya was arrested on Monday by Kolkata Police on charges of alleged rape and extortion.
The survivor was allegedly lured to the accused's flat in Jadavpur , south Kolkata , under the pretext of a birthday party.
The accused allegedly assaulted the survivor a second time after promising marriage, according to the complaint.
The accused reportedly extorted ₹1.5 lakh from the victim on the pretext of a business investment.
A formal complaint was filed at Purba Jadavpur police station ; investigation is ongoing.
A man has been arrested in Kolkata on charges of allegedly raping his girlfriend after luring her to his birthday party under false pretences, and subsequently extorting ₹1.5 lakh from her, police said on Tuesday, 4 August. The accused, identified as Anubhav Bhattacharya, was taken into custody on Monday following a written complaint filed by the survivor at Purba Jadavpur police station.
How the Accused Gained the Victim's Trust
According to police, the complainant first encountered Bhattacharya on social media, after which the two gradually developed a closer acquaintance, exchanged phone numbers, and met on several occasions. The survivor reportedly had no reason to suspect him, given his reportedly courteous conduct during their interactions.
At some point, Bhattacharya invited the woman to his birthday celebration at a specified address in the Jadavpur area of south Kolkata. When she arrived in good faith, she found no other guests present — only the accused in the flat. She was allegedly raped there.
Repeated Assault and Financial Extortion
Following the initial incident, the accused allegedly promised to marry the survivor. Placing trust in that assurance, she continued contact with him — during which, according to the complaint, she was allegedly assaulted again. The accused also reportedly took ₹1.5 lakh from her on the pretext of investing in a business venture.
After receiving the money, Bhattacharya allegedly began distancing himself, eventually cutting off all communication with the woman.
Complaint Filed, Arrest Made
Left with no recourse, the survivor lodged a formal written complaint at Purba Jadavpur police station. Based on the subsequent investigation, Bhattacharya was arrested on Monday.
'The accused man has been arrested. Investigation is underway,' a senior officer of Kolkata Police confirmed.
What Happens Next
Police have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. The case highlights a pattern of offences in which perpetrators exploit trust built over social media to commit assault and financial fraud against victims. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether additional charges, such as cheating or criminal breach of trust, will be added to the complaint.
Point of View
Manufactured trust, isolated assault, and financial exploitation — a sequence that Indian courts have increasingly had to grapple with. What is notable here is the compounding of offences: alleged rape, a false marriage promise used to perpetuate the assault, and financial fraud. Police have so far confirmed only the arrest; whether the charge sheet will reflect the full scope of the alleged offences — including cheating and criminal breach of trust — will be the real test of how seriously the case is pursued. Survivors in such cases often face an additional barrier: the social stigma of a relationship that began online, which can discourage reporting. That this complaint was filed at all is significant.
NationPress
4 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Anubhav Bhattacharya and why was he arrested?
Anubhav Bhattacharya is a man from the Jadavpur area of south Kolkata who was arrested on Monday on charges of allegedly raping his girlfriend and extorting ₹1.5 lakh from her. He was taken into custody by Kolkata Police following a formal complaint filed by the survivor at Purba Jadavpur police station.
How did the accused allegedly commit the crime?
According to police, the accused invited the survivor to his birthday party at a flat in Jadavpur, where she found no other guests present, and allegedly assaulted her. He subsequently promised marriage and allegedly assaulted her again, while also taking ₹1.5 lakh from her under the pretext of a business investment.
Where did the incident take place?
The incident took place in the Jadavpur area of south Kolkata. The survivor filed her complaint at Purba Jadavpur police station, which led to the accused's arrest.
What is the current status of the case?
Anubhav Bhattacharya has been arrested and is in police custody. A senior Kolkata Police officer confirmed that investigation is underway. No further charges beyond rape and extortion have been publicly confirmed at this stage.
How did the accused and the survivor meet?
According to police, the two first connected on social media, gradually built a closer relationship, exchanged phone numbers, and met in person on several occasions before the alleged assault took place.
