Rape accused held on return from London after 8 yrs
Times of India | 21 January 2026
Kolkata: Kolkata Police arrested a man from Mumbai airport after he returned to India from London, eight years after a woman accused him of rape on the false promise of marriage.
Police identified the accused as Sheikh Soheb, a resident of Ekbalpore area in the Port area. According to investigators, Soheb became acquainted about eight years ago with a young woman from Budge Budge in South 24 Parganas. The two grew close, and he allegedly took her to different places while assuring her he would marry her, and sexually assaulted her during the relationship.
Police said the woman later pressed him to formalise the marriage, after which he began avoiding her. Soheb got employment in London through acquaintances and left India without informing her, police said.
The woman initially lodged a complaint at Budge Budge PS. As the accused's permanent address fell under Ekbalpore PS, the matter was transferred and the court issued an arrest warrant to Kolkata Police.Ekbalpore police initiated searches but were unable to trace him, as he was outside the country.
Investigators said a lookout circular was issued to prevent him from entering India without detection. Police said Soheb was in London for about seven years, believing the case was no longer being pursued. He decided to return to India.
On Sunday night, he landed at Mumbai airport wherehe was detained and Mumbai customs officials informed Kolkata Police. On Monday, a team from Ekbalpore PS travelled to Mumbai, arrested Soheb, and is bringing him back to Kolkata, police said. He is being interrogated, officers added.