Mumbai-Based Woman Trader Alleges Sexual Assault by Hyderabad Merchant, Duped of Rs 5.09 Crore

Hyderabad: Panjagutta police have registered a case against Manish Bhati, a grocer, and five of his associates for allegedly sexually assaulting a Mumbai-based businesswoman under the false pretext of marriage, blackmailing and threatening her, and defrauding her of more than Rs 5.09 crore.

According to police, the victim, a Mumbai-based trader, initially lodged a Zero FIR in Mumbai, which was later transferred to Panjagutta police for further investigation.

In her complaint, the victim stated that she runs an imported goods trading and brokerage business in Mumbai.

She first met the accused, Bhati, in July 2024, when he began purchasing pistachios and cloves from her, police said.

After initially making timely payments to gain her trust, Bhati allegedly began delaying payments from November 2024.

During this period, Bhati introduced her to his brother, Pawan Bhati, and four other associates identified as Mohammed Rashid, Zeeshan Ahmed, Nadeem Jumani and Irfan Bhada.

Operating through various business entities, the group continued procuring goods from her, accumulating unpaid dues amounting to Rs 5,09,81,914, she stated in her complaint.

The victim further alleged that whenever she demanded repayment, Bhati diverted the conversation by professing his love and promising to marry her, leading her to believe that he was unmarried.

Under this pretext, he invited her to Hyderabad multiple times. She stated that on August 5, 2024, he took her to a hotel room and sexually assaulted her. She further alleged that he assaulted her again on September 9 and 11 at different hotels in the city after forcing her to consume alcohol, police said.

Additionally, the accused allegedly captured semi-nude images of the victim during video calls without her knowledge. When she continued demanding repayment of the outstanding Rs 5.09 crore, Bhati blackmailed her and threatened to share her private photographs with her business associates unless she dropped her demands.

Panjagutta police are currently investigating the case.

The complainant’s statement has been recorded. We will thoroughly investigate the case and take a stern action as per law and officially announce the developments, a police officer disclosed.

"We are investigating all aspects of the case to establish the facts. Bank transaction details, business invoices, hotel stay records, digital conversations and other electronic evidence are being collected," police officials said.

“The victim is being provided with necessary assistance through the Hyderabad Bharosa Kendra. We will establish the role of the accused based on the evidence and take further legal action," the officer added.