Man Manipulates 13-Year-Old Into "Virtual Marriage" Before Orchestrating Sexual Assault Via Video Call

The accomplice, Dilip Chauhan, was apprehended on Wednesday following a lengthy search.

In a disturbing case that demonstrates the dangerous intersection of technology, manipulation, and criminal behavior, a man from Bihar conducted a "virtual marriage" with a 13-year-old girl from Chhattisgarh's Jashpur district, subsequently blackmailed her, and orchestrated her sexual assault while watching via video call.

According to police reports, the primary suspect, Kundan Raj, discovered the teenage victim's social media profile in 2021 and obtained her phone number. He presented himself as a Patna resident who had developed feelings for her after viewing her profile image. When the young girl refused communication, he reportedly sent her a photograph of his wrist with what appeared to be a self-inflicted wound, emotionally manipulating her into maintaining contact.

Their communications gradually became more intimate. Kundan performed what he called a 'virtual marriage' ceremony through video call, convincing the vulnerable teenager they were legitimately married. He subsequently coerced her into participating in explicit video calls, secretly recording these interactions without her knowledge.

When the victim later attempted to resist his demands, Kundan threatened to release the recordings online, leaving her in a state of fear and compliance.

The first information report states that Kundan informed the survivor he wanted his "friend" to also "celebrate the wedding night with her" while he observed the assault in real-time via video.

In October 2021, Kundan's associate, 29-year-old Dilip Chauhan, arrived at the victim's residence in the Duldula police station jurisdiction using the false identity "Deepak Yadav."

Dilip sexually assaulted the minor while Kundan watched through a video call.

When the girl later refused to comply with additional demands, Kundan sent one of the explicit videos to her elder sister. This action finally prompted the victim to reveal what had been happening.

The girl and her sister approached authorities at Duldula Police Station, where officials registered a case under the Indian Penal Code, POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act, and the Information Technology Act.

Law enforcement arrested Raj in Patna in 2022, seizing his mobile device. During questioning, he admitted to having sent Chauhan to assault the minor.

Chauhan evaded capture for nearly three years, frequently changing locations to avoid detection. Jashpur police finally apprehended him in the Kunkuri area on Wednesday. Officials reported that Dilip has confessed to the crime.

Jashpur Senior Superintendent of Police Shashi Mohan Singh stated, "The accused from Patna deceived the girl, conducted a 'virtual marriage', and subsequently sent his friend to assault her. The primary suspect was arrested previously. The second suspect remained at large for a considerable period. We have now apprehended him and are proceeding with legal measures."