Salon owner accused by biz partner of assault, cheating

Lucknow: Hours after video of a man and woman quarrelling went viral, Gomtinagar police lodged FIR against three persons, including business partner of a local salon owner, on charges of cheating, sexual exploitation, theft, assault, and criminal intimidation on Wednesday.

The woman spotted in the video lodged FIR alleging her salon business partner lured her into a relationship under the false pretext of marriage, leading to repeated instances of sexual exploitation. She further claimed that the man borrowed Rs 8 lakh from her and also took money from her brother, citing various business and personal reasons.

Despite repeated assurances of marriage, the accused allegedly failed to honour his commitment and continued to exploit her emotionally, financially and physically. Matters escalated on Jun 16 when the victim alleged that her mobile phone was stolen from the salon premises at the behest of the accused with the help of two salon employees.

When she confronted the accused about the financial dues and the theft, he allegedly assaulted her, causing injuries. The woman claimed to have video evidence of the assault and the threats that followed.

ADCP, East Zone, Pankaj Singh, said FIR was filed under charges of BNS 69 (sexual intercourse through deceit), 115 (2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 303 (2) (theft), 316 (2) (criminal breach of trust), and 351 (3) (criminal intimidation) against the woman's male business partner and two employees.