Shivpuri municipal council president’s son booked for rape:Woman alleges, ‘Leaders and officials kept bidding on me’; claims threat to life

Anjali (name changed) has accused Rajat Sharma, son of Shivpuri Municipal Council President Gayatri Sharma, of raping her on the pretext of marriage. Following alleged pressure and harassment linked to the case, Anjali attempted suicide on December 23 by consuming 45 sleeping pills along with rat poison. As her condition deteriorated, her family rushed her to the hospital, where she was treated and later discharged on December 30. Speaking about the alleged intimidation, Anjali said, Big leaders and officials of Shivpuri used to sit daily from April 14 to April 30 and bid for me. Goons were sent to my house every other day. I was subjected to vulgar abuses just so I would withdraw my complaint. Before attempting suicide, Anjali also wrote a six-page suicide note, in which she made serious allegations against Shivpuri Municipal Council President Gayatri Sharma and her son Rajat Sharma. Speaking to Bhaskar, Anjali alleged that she continues to receive death threats, while Rajat Sharma and Gayatri Sharma declined to comment on the allegations. This raises questions about how the relationship began and the circumstances under which Rajat allegedly betrayed her. Relationship began through social media Promise of marriage and family meeting Anjali said she clearly stated her intention from the start, saying she would proceed only if Rajat was serious about marriage. Rajat agreed and, on September 9, 2023, introduced her to his mother, Shivpuri Municipal Council President Gayatri Sharma. Anjali claimed Gayatri Sharma welcomed her warmly, strengthening her belief that the relationship would lead to marriage. Anjali also informed her own family about the meeting. By November 2023, the two had grown very close. Delay, and change in behaviour Truth comes out, and relationship ends Anjali said, I had clearly told him that if he was serious about marriage, only then would I move forward. I never hid my intentions. Legal battle and mental harassment Following the incident, Anjali filed a complaint at Shivpuri Kotwali police station on April 14, alleging police inaction in the case. After repeatedly visiting the police station for 16 days, an FIR was finally registered on April 30 against Rajat Sharma under IPC sections related to rape and other offences. On May 9, Rajat Sharma applied for bail and was granted relief by the High Court nearly a month later. Anjali alleged that ever since the FIR was filed, she and her family have been under constant pressure to withdraw the case. She claimed that from April 14 to April 30, senior leaders and officials in Shivpuri held daily negotiations over the matter. According to Anjali, goons were repeatedly sent to her house, and she was subjected to abusive language to force a compromise. She alleged that the continuous threats and mental pressure over the past seven months left her completely shattered. Attempted suicide and plea for justice Distressed by continuous threats and delays in justice, Anjali attempted suicide on December 23 by consuming around 45 sleeping pills along with rat poison. As her condition worsened, her family rushed her to the hospital, where doctors saved her life. She was discharged on Tuesday. Although still fearful, Anjali said she has not given up and has approached senior leaders for help. She said she has messaged Yashodhara Raje Scindia and Jyotiraditya Scindia, seeking intervention. According to her, the case has evolved beyond a personal dispute and now reflects a broader struggle between power, influence, and justice. Anjali said, ‘I am fighting alone inside my house, my life is in danger. Now only they can get me justice.’ The case has put the spotlight on Shivpuri’s administration and public, raising questions about whether influence will overpower justice or whether truth will ultimately prevail.