A 20-year-old college student in Ahmedabad has approached the police alleging that a former classmate sexually assaulted her multiple times on the pretext of marriage, threatened to circulate her private photographs and videos, and allegedly took gold jewellery worth around Rs 14.39 lakh from her family.
The accused, identified as Hardik Ashokbhai Panchal of Amraiwadi, was reportedly known to the complainant as they had studied together at the same university. Nikol police have registered a case based on her complaint and started an investigation.
Promise of Marriage
According to the complaint, the woman and Panchal became friends during their university days and entered into a relationship in December 2025. She alleged that Panchal told her that their families were aware of the relationship and repeatedly assured her that he would marry her.
The complainant alleged that on March 25, 2026, Panchal took her to a hotel near Nikol and sexually assaulted her. She further alleged that similar incidents took place later at hotels near K P Heights and opposite Shalby Hospital. She claimed that Panchal continued to assure her that they would get married.
Alleged Blackmail Over Private Images
The woman further alleged that Panchal later told her that his father, who was in the textile business, had suffered financial losses and asked her for money.
When she allegedly declined to provide financial assistance, Panchal threatened to make her private photographs and videos public, according to the complaint. The complainant alleged that the threat was subsequently used to obtain gold ornaments belonging to her and her family members.
Jewellery Worth Rs 14.39 Lakh Allegedly Taken
Between June 7 and August 12, Panchal allegedly obtained gold ornaments weighing 144.51 grams and valued at approximately Rs 14.39 lakh. The jewellery allegedly belonged to the complainant, as well as her sisters, father and mother.
According to the complaint, Panchal assured her that the ornaments would be returned or replaced with jewellery of the same design. The woman later alleged that the jewellery was sold at Varsha Gold Jewellers and Harsh Jewellers in Nikol.
Family Raises Alarm
The alleged matter came to light when the complainant’s elder sister checked the family locker and noticed that several gold ornaments were missing.
The woman then allegedly told her family about her relationship with Panchal and disclosed that she had handed over the jewellery to him.
The family reportedly contacted Panchal and his parents seeking an explanation. However, the complainant alleged that the matter was not resolved, following which she approached the police along with her sister and other family members.
Police Probe Underway
Nikol police have registered a case based on the complaint and are investigating the allegations of sexual assault, criminal intimidation and the alleged taking and sale of gold jewellery.
Investigators are expected to examine the communications between the complainant and the accused, details of the alleged hotel visits, jewellery transaction records and other evidence. The allegations have not been established in court, and the accused’s response was not available in the complaint material provided.