Mumbai: An actor associated with the recently released film Dhurandhar has been arrested in Mumbai on charges of repeatedly raping his domestic help over a period of nearly ten years on the promise of marriage, in a case that has once again drawn attention to crimes involving abuse of trust and prolonged sexual exploitation.
The accused, Nadeem Khan, was taken into custody on January 22 following a complaint lodged by a 41-year-old woman who worked as a domestic help and alleged that she was subjected to sexual assault on multiple occasions after being assured that she would be married. He is currently in police custody, and further investigation is underway.
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According to the complaint, the woman had been working as domestic help for various actors and came in contact with Khan several years ago. Over time, they grew close, and she alleged that Khan promised to marry her. On the basis of this assurance, she claimed, he established sexual relations with her repeatedly, both at her residence in Malvani and at his house in Versova, over an extended period.
The woman alleged that the sexual relationship continued for years under the belief that the promise of marriage would eventually be fulfilled. However, she stated that Khan later refused to marry her, leaving her emotionally distressed and prompting her to seek legal recourse.
After Khan allegedly withdrew from the promise, the woman approached the Versova police station and filed a complaint detailing the alleged assaults. Since the first instance of the alleged crime took place at the complainant’s residence in Malvani, which falls under a different police jurisdiction, the case was subsequently transferred on the basis of a zero FIR to the appropriate police station for further action.
Investigators have registered the case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code dealing with rape and related offences. The allegations span nearly a decade, making the case particularly sensitive, as investigators are expected to examine past communications, timelines, and the nature of the relationship between the two.
Police sources said the woman’s statement indicates that the relationship was sustained primarily on repeated assurances of marriage, which never materialised. The investigation will focus on whether consent was obtained through deception and whether the alleged acts constitute sexual assault under the law.
Khan, who has appeared in supporting roles and was last seen in the Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar, was produced before a court after his arrest. The court remanded him to police custody to allow investigators to question him further and verify the allegations made in the complaint.
The case has sparked discussion within the film industry and beyond, highlighting concerns around workplace power dynamics and the vulnerability of domestic workers employed in private residences. Legal experts note that cases involving allegations of rape on the promise of marriage often hinge on whether the promise was genuine at the outset or made with the intent to deceive.
Activists working with women in informal employment sectors have pointed out that domestic workers frequently lack institutional support and are often hesitant to report abuse due to fear of stigma, loss of livelihood, or social pressure. They say prolonged delays in reporting such cases are not uncommon and should not automatically be seen as weakening the complaint.
Police officials have maintained that the investigation will proceed strictly on the basis of evidence and statements recorded during the probe. They have urged restraint in speculation, stating that all allegations will be tested during the course of the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.
As the case moves forward, further details are expected to emerge regarding the nature of the relationship, the timeline of alleged incidents, and corroborative evidence. For now, the arrest marks a significant development in a case that underscores the continuing challenge of addressing sexual violence linked to abuse of trust and false promises.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
