The victim had met the accused, Vijay Bavaliya, around a year back through her brother and a friend of Bavaliya. Over time, the two developed a romantic relationship and Bavaliya established physical relations promising to marry her.

However, on February 7 Bavaliya allegedly forced himself upon the woman despite her refusal. Later, a home pregnancy test confirmed she was pregnant. When she confronted Bavaliya, he initially reassured her of marriage but kept on making excuses to avoid the commitment.

Growing suspicious, the woman decided to visit Bavaliya residence whereupon she discovered that Bavaliya was already married and had a child. When she demanded accountability, the accused pressured her to undergo an abortion and flatly refused to marry her. The victim approached the Sarkhej police station and lodged a formal complaint. AM