The High Court has granted anticipatory bail to the accused Hemant Tiwari, in a case registered by the Panaji Police alleging sexual exploitation under a false promise of marriage, along with offences of assault and criminal intimidation. The Court directed that, in the event of his arrest, Tiwari be released on a personal bond of ₹25,000 with one or more sureties for a like amount.
While granting relief, the High Court imposed conditions requiring Tiwari to appear at the Panaji Police Station every Monday between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. until the filing of the chargesheet. He has also been restrained from entering the territorial jurisdiction of Tiswadi Taluka in North Goa, except for his mandatory appearances at the Panaji Police Station.
According to the complainant, Tiwari entered her life around August 2024, repeatedly promised to marry her, and even made a formal marriage proposal to her family. She alleged that, despite her initial reluctance, he later gained physical intimacy by visiting her residence late at night.
The complainant further stated that Tiwari became abusive, repeatedly assaulted her between February and May 2026, extracted ₹1,22,500 through cash and online transfers, smashed her mobile phone when she questioned him about backing out of the marriage, and subsequently threatened both her and her mother.
While granting anticipatory bail to the accused, the High Court observed that, on a prima facie reading, the relationship between the parties appeared consensual, both individuals are mature adults who had been involved in a relationship spanning over two years.
