Court frames rape charges against gym trainer

The Fast Track Special Court in the city has framed charges against gym trainer Sawan Bhatti in a rape case registered at Sector 11 police station last year. This is the second rape case filed against the accused.

Serial offender?

Gym trainer Sawan Bhatti faces second rape charge in the city, with the police revealing a pattern of targeting lone women under pretext of seeking help

The accused allegedly lured victim by asking directions, then robbed and sexually assaulted her at knife-point in Sector 11, identical to previous attack at a Sector 16 park

The police recovered stolen jewellery from Bhatti, confirmed his identity through victim testimony, strengthening the prosecution’s case in both trials

According to the FIR registered on June 10, 2024, the victim, a student who had been residing in the city for five years, reported that on the night of June 6 around 12:15 am, an unknown man approached her near Sector 15. The accused, later identified as Bhatti, first asked for directions to a house and requested her to check the location on her phone. After getting the directions, he asked for a glass of water and then convinced her to accompany him to the location.

The victim stated that while initially refusing, she eventually agreed to ride on his Activa scooter. Bhatti then allegedly drove her towards Sector 11, where he threatened to kill her and forced her to remain quiet. He took her through various lanes before stopping and snatching her gold ring and earrings. The accused then sexually assaulted her and fled the scene after warning her not to report the incident.

After the assault, the victim contacted a friend who arrived at the spot and took her back to her Sector 15 residence. The friend then alerted the police, leading to the registration of the case. During investigation, the victim identified Bhatti, who was subsequently arrested. Police claim to have recovered the stolen jewelry from the accused.

Authorities revealed that Bhatti had allegedly committed a similar offense earlier, sexually assaulting a woman in a Sector 16 park. Investigators stated that the accused, working as a gym trainer, would specifically target women he found alone. The case has been registered under IPC sections 354 (assault), 354A (sexual harassment), 376 (rape), 392 (robbery), and 506 (criminal intimidation).

The court proceedings come as Bhatti faces his second rape charge, with police emphasising his alleged pattern of preying on solitary women in the city.

Chandigarh