IPL cricketer Abishek Porel arrested on rape charge; woman alleges promise of marriage

Abishek Porel (ANI Photo)

Bengal and Delhi Capitals wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel was arrested by Bengal Police on Tuesday in connection with a rape case filed by a medical student, according to an official quoted by PTI.Porel was taken into custody in Hooghly and formally arrested after being questioned, with the 23-year-old subsequently sent for a medical examination and produced before the Chinsurah Court.The case stems from a complaint filed at Mogra Police Station by a woman who has alleged that Porel established a physical relationship with her on the promise of marriage. The complaint also contains allegations of criminal intimidation and the recording of intimate moments.The allegations have not been established in court and the matter remains under investigation.

Arrest follows Calcutta High Court order

The development comes weeks after the Calcutta High Court directed Bengal Police to arrest Porel in connection with the case.In an order dated July 14, Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya directed police to continue efforts to apprehend Porel and another accused. The court also ordered the seizure of electronic devices in order to prevent the dissemination of alleged private material linked to the complainant.Police had told the court that a pen drive had already been seized and sent for forensic examination. The complainant had approached the High Court alleging police inaction and also claimed that Porel had threatened to make private photographs public.According to the complaint, the woman first came into contact with Porel in 2023 and alleged that their relationship subsequently led to discussions about marriage involving their families.She has further alleged that she was assaulted and confined during an incident in Delhi on April 2, 2026, and that she was denied food and subsequently required medical attention. These are allegations contained in the complaint and have not been proven.

Porel’s cricket career now overshadowed

Porel has been a prominent figure in Bengal cricket and has represented Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League. A left-handed wicketkeeper-batter, he made his first-class debut for Bengal during the 2021-22 season and subsequently earned India A call-ups.He joined the Delhi Capitals setup in 2023 and has been part of the franchise’s IPL squad in recent seasons.The legal case now represents a major development in the young cricketer’s career, with the investigation and court proceedings set to determine the next steps.The complainant’s allegations include rape, criminal intimidation and other offences. Porel has previously denied the allegations and indicated that he would respond in detail after the police inquiry.With his arrest now confirmed, the case moves into the next stage of the legal process. Porel remains an accused, and any determination of guilt will be made through the judicial process.