Man, landlord arrested over alleged sexual exploitation of wife, daughter

Authorities in Morbi, located in India’s Gujarat state, have arrested a labourer and his landlord following allegations of prolonged sexual exploitation involving the labourer’s wife and minor daughter, reportedly linked to unpaid house rent.

According to police sources, the disturbing case came to light after a formal complaint was lodged by the woman’s maternal grandfather, who alerted authorities upon learning of the alleged abuse.

Police said the family relocated to Morbi approximately six months ago in search of better economic opportunities. They reportedly rented a residence for Rs 2,000 per month. However, as the family’s financial condition deteriorated, they allegedly struggled to meet their rental obligations.

Investigators disclosed that the landlord is accused of exploiting the family’s vulnerability by allegedly demanding sexual favours from the tenant’s wife in exchange for waiving accumulated rent arrears.

Police reports indicate that the husband allegedly consented to the arrangement. As a result, the landlord is said to have repeatedly assaulted the woman over a period of time.

Authorities further revealed that the situation escalated when the landlord’s alleged demands extended to the couple’s minor daughter. Police sources said the father again purportedly gave consent, leading to continued abuse of the child.

Investigations suggest the minor was allegedly taken to different locations, including a property in Tankara, where she was subjected to further exploitation involving the landlord and another individual.

Law enforcement officials described the case as deeply disturbing, noting the severity of the allegations and the alleged betrayal of parental responsibility.

The alleged cycle of abuse was uncovered after the woman’s maternal grandfather became aware of the circumstances and filed a complaint with local authorities.

Following the report, Morbi Police registered a case under stringent provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, India’s recently enacted criminal code.

Police confirmed that both the labourer and the landlord have been arrested. The labourer has been remanded to judicial custody, while the landlord has been placed in one-day police custody for further interrogation.

Authorities also disclosed that a third suspect allegedly linked to the case remains at large. Dedicated teams have been deployed to track down and apprehend the individual.