A disturbing case of alleged sexual harassment has surfaced from Sombaria Bazaar in Sikkim’s Soreng District, where a 51-year-old boutique owner has been booked for misbehaving with a woman customer inside his store. The incident, which reportedly took place on April 9, was brought to the attention of the Sombaria Police Station the following day after the victim filed a formal complaint.
According to the FIR, the complainant, Chunkey Sherpa, a resident of Upper Rumbuk, had entered the boutique around 11:30 AM to browse and purchase clothing items. While assisting her, the shopkeeper—identified as Binod Kumar Rathi, also known as Dablu—allegedly touched her inappropriately and made indecent remarks, causing her deep discomfort and distress.
Taking swift action, police registered the case under FIR No. 05/2025 and invoked Sections 75 and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. An investigation into the matter is currently underway to establish the facts and determine appropriate legal proceedings.
The incident has sparked outrage among locals, reigniting conversations around the safety of women in commercial spaces. Authorities have assured that the matter will be dealt with seriousness and due process of law.