Influencer ‘Nonsense’ held for allegedly assaulting girlfriend in Behala

A popular social media influencer from Kolkata was arrested on Thursday night on charges of allegedly holding his girlfriend captive and sexually assaulting her. The accused has been identified as Shamik Adhikari, known online by the name ‘Nonsense’, a resident of the Behala area, police said.

According to the complaint filed by the 22-year-old woman, she visited Adhikari’s residence on February 2 due to their personal acquaintance. She alleged that she was forcibly confined for nearly 20 hours, from around 9:30 pm that night until 5 pm the following day. During this period, she was allegedly assaulted, beaten, punched and threatened with death. The complainant further alleged that the accused engaged in obscene acts and tore her clothes following a dispute between them. After managing to leave the premises, she approached the Behala police station on Wednesday and submitted a written complaint.

Based on the complaint, police registered an FIR under sections 127(2), 115(2), 74 and 351(2) of the Indian Penal Code and arrested the accused on Thursday night. Police sources said the accused is highly active on social media, with around 32,000 followers on Facebook and over a thousand followers on Instagram. Following the arrest, several users criticised him online. The accused has not issued any public statement so far. Meanwhile, BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya questioned the action, alleging on social media that false cases are being filed against critics of the West Bengal government. He claimed the timing of the complaint raised suspicion and suggested political vendetta. Police, however, said the investigation is ongoing and all aspects of the case are being examined.