Mumbai-based model’s rape: Accused former sub-inspector says he was falsely implicated

Naveen Phogat stated in the court on Monday that he was falsely implicated in the rape case following a tussle with the senior Cyber Crime Investigation Cell Police officers.

Phogat is facing the trial for raping a 28-year-old Mumbai-based model. (Representational Image)

Former Sub-Inspector of Chandigarh Police Naveen Phogat, who is facing charges for allegedly raping a Mumbai-based model at a Chandigarh hotel, stated in the court on Monday that he was falsely implicated in the rape case following a tussle with the senior Cyber Crime Investigation Cell Police officers.

Phogat who is facing the trial for raping a 28-year-old Mumbai-based model under sections 376 (2) (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code, recorded his statements under section 313 of CrPC, in the Court of Additional District and Sessions Judge, Poonam R Joshi.

Phogat stated, “I am innocent, have been involved in this false case. The reason for my involvement in this false case was that I was one of the members of the SIT (Special Investigation Team) constituted under the head of Cyber Crime Branch, along with one inspector besides other police officials. The SIT was to investigate a case related to Bitcoin. During the course of investigation, the complainant of the said case moved an application before the CJM (Chief Judicial Magistrate), wherein the complainant in the Bitcoin case alleged that the other culprits involved in the case, who were also arrested by Maharashtra, Delhi and Kolkata Police have been let off by the senior officers. Such an application was also moved before the High Court. The referred officers suspected that I disclosed these facts to the complainant, for that reason an inquiry on an anonymous complaint was initiated against me and I was sent to Police Lines.”

Phogat also submitted in the court that the inspector in the SIT was investigating the case of the alleged complaint and he (Phogat) was then involved in the rape case on account of the stated tussle.

The matter is now scheduled for hearing on January 15, when the defense counsel will submit the list of defense witnesses.

As per the prosecution, the FIR in the case was registered on October 18, 2018, following the complaint of the woman, a model from Mumbai, who had said that she came in contact with the SI in May 2018, following a case which was under investigation when SI Phogat was posted in Cyber Cell of Chandigarh Police, as she had been duped by one Rahul of Rs 10 lakh on the pretext of getting them assignments in the Punjabi film industry.

The woman had alleged that on June 12, 2018, she came to Chandigarh to join the investigation and remained stuck in the investigation with SI Naveen Kumar Phogat. At about 7.30 pm, SI Phogat offered to drop her in the hotel. She refused, but the accused insisted her to drop in the hotel, as he was going that way. When they reached the hotel, Phogat accompanied her to the hotel room at the pretext of using washroom, where Phogat raped her forcibly by threatening to defame her as he possessed her objectionable photos.

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Following the case, Naveen Phogat was dismissed by the Chandigarh Police department from services on October 23, 2018.

Jagpreet Singh Sandhu

Jagpreet Singh Sandhu is a Senior Correspondent at The Indian Express, based in Chandigarh. He is a veteran reporter with over a decade of experience, specializing in legal, crime, and environmental reporting across the tri-city area (Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula). Professional Background Core Beat: He primarily covers the Punjab and Haryana High Court, District Courts, CBI Courts, and Consumer Commissions. His legal reporting is known for breaking down complex judgments and tracking long-standing criminal cases. Environmental Reporting: Jagpreet has become a key voice in reporting on the deteriorating air quality and weather patterns in the Punjab-Haryana region. Crime & Technology: He frequently reports on cybercrime, digital arrest scams, and the intersection of technology and law enforcement, such as the development of citizen-centric policing apps. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His late 2025 coverage has focused on significant judicial verdicts, major financial scams, and public health concerns: 1. Legal & CBI Court Verdicts "12 years on, CBI court acquits Haryana judge, parents in wife’s death case" (Dec 17, 2025): Detailed coverage of the acquittal of a judicial officer in a high-profile dowry death case from 2013. "‘Wicked & evil mind’: Court gives man 30-year term for kidnapping, sexually assaulting 8-year-old" (Dec 16, 2025): A report on a stern judgment from a Chandigarh district court in a POCSO case. "Man acquitted in rape case after victim found ‘very happy’ in wedding reception" (Dec 9, 2025): Covering a unique legal observation regarding consensual relationships and age verification. 2. Investigative & Scams "CBI registers FIR in Rs 1.14-cr Patient Welfare Grant scam at PGIMER" (Dec 19, 2025): An exposé on how funds meant for poor patients were siphoned off through forged documents and a photocopy shop inside the PGIMER campus. "Month-long torture, Rs 85 lakh transfers: How ‘Innocence Certificate’ led to a ‘digital arrest’ of an elderly couple" (Dec 12, 2025): Detailing a sophisticated cyber fraud targeting senior citizens in Chandigarh. 3. Environment & Public Safety "Panchkula air turns ‘very poor’, fourth worst in country" (Dec 22, 2025): Reporting on the sudden spike in pollution levels in Panchkula compared to neighbouring cities. "Soon, you can snap that overspeeding car, and report to Chandigarh Police" (Dec 16, 2025): Breaking news on a new mobile application being developed to allow citizens to report traffic violations via geo-tagged photos. 4. Gangster Culture & Crime "City Beautiful in the crosshairs of gangsters" (Dec 14, 2025): A feature analysis of how Chandigarh has increasingly become a staging ground for extortion and rivalries between gangster modules. "Shooters wanted for Parry murder held by Delhi Police Special Cell" (Dec 18, 2025): Following the developments in a high-profile murder case in Chandigarh’s Sector 26. Signature Style Jagpreet is recognized for his tenacious follow-up on cold cases and his ability to report on courtroom drama with a focus on victim rights. His work often highlights administrative lapses, whether in the handling of patient welfare funds or the enforcement of environmental standards. ... Read More

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