Groom Vanishes, Gold Missing; Sikkim Woman Alleges Betrayal

SUJAL PRADHAN, EOI, GANGTOK, APRIL 29, 2025 : A young woman lodged a complaint with the police that she had been betrayed by her live-in partner of three years, who promised her marriage but ultimately ran away with gold ornaments given by her.

The incident, detailed in a First Information Report (FIR) filed on April 25, 2025, at Ranipool Police Station, has led to a criminal case against Roman Chettri, who is now absconding. The case has been registered under Sections 69 and 318 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

According to the FIR lodged by the woman, a resident of Gangtok District, she and Roman Chettri had been in a live-in relationship for three years at a residence in Gangtok. The complainant, whose identity is protected under law, said that Chettri had repeatedly assured her of marriage. On February 7, 2025, Chettri sent her to her parental home, promising to arrive two days later with his family to formalize their engagement. As a gesture of trust, the woman handed over two tolas of gold ornaments to Chettri, who claimed he would use them to craft a bangle for their wedding ceremony.

The lady and her family prepared for the big day on February 9. The complainant dressed as a bride, and her family welcomed guests to celebrate what they believed would be a joyous occasion. However, Chettri never showed up. Repeated phone calls went unanswered, and when he finally responded, he offered vague excuses. Five days later, the woman learned the devastating truth: she had been deceived. The man she trusted had allegedly exploited her emotionally, physically, and financially for years.

Since then, Chettri has been absconding.

“I trusted him completely,” the woman told the police in her statement, recorded under Section 180 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. “He promised me a future, but instead, he took everything; my trust, my dignity, and my family’s honor.”

The Ranipool Police Station registered an FIR, and a manhunt has been launched for the man. “Efforts are underway to apprehend the accused, who is currently absconding,” said a senior officer at Ranipool Police Station, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We are conducting searches at his last known locations and coordinating with local authorities to ensure his arrest."