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Directs Police to Continue Arrest of Abishek Porel, Seize Obscene Data
Kolkata, – The today directed the to continue its efforts to arrest Bengal and Delhi Capitals cricketer Abishek Porel and another accused in a high‑profile rape and blackmail case, and to immediately seize their electronic devices to prevent the circulation of obscene photographs and videos. The order came from a single bench of Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya , who was hearing a seeking a proper and effective investigation into the matter.
The Case and the Allegations
The victim, a medical student, had lodged a complaint at in Hooghly, leading to the registration of Case No. 346 of 2026 under multiple sections of the , as well as . She alleged that Porel, a 23‑year‑old wicketkeeper‑batter seen as Wriddhiman Saha’s successor in the Bengal team, had entered into a physical relationship with her on the . According to her petition, private moments were recorded without her consent, and those recordings were later used to threaten and intimidate her.
The Courtroom Arguments
Appearing for the petitioner, , along with and , submitted that although a had been initiated, the police had not yet traced the accused or seized the devices that likely contained the . They argued that this inaction was endangering the petitioner’s dignity and privacy, as the data could be further disseminated at any moment.
On behalf of the State, , learned Additional Government Pleader, placed before the court a communication dated from the Inspector‑in‑Charge, . The report disclosed that one pen drive had been seized from the complainant, and that steps were being taken for the examination and analysis of in accordance with the law. Significantly, it also confirmed that the two accused – – remained at large despite police efforts.
The Court’s Reasoning and Key Directions
Justice Bhattacharyya, after perusing the police report, observed that the continued absence of the accused posed a grave risk. The court noted:
“It appears that accused persons being respondent nos.6 & 7 are required to be apprehended for seizure of electronic devices lying with them so that data stored therein cannot be shared with others.”
Emphasizing the urgency of protecting the petitioner’s privacy, the court issued a categorical directive:
“Concerned police authorities are directed to continue with their endeavour to apprehend respondent nos.6 & 7 and to make seizure of devices so obnoxious data stored therein shall not be further disseminated.”
The order also took note of the ongoing process of examination and underscored the need to strictly follow the provisions governing collection and preservation of such evidence.
What Lies Ahead
The hearing was adjourned, and the matter is now listed for further consideration on . The Inspector‑in‑Charge, , has been ordered to file a detailed progress report by that date, disclosing the steps taken to execute the court’s directions.
The ruling reinforces the duty of investigative agencies to act promptly in cases involving , particularly where the violation of an individual’s privacy and dignity could be irreparably compounded by delay. With Porel still untraceable, all eyes will be on the next police report and whether the seized devices can shed further light on the serious accusations.
