Lucknow’s Lulu Mall in fresh controversy as manager accused of rape and blackmail

Lulu Mall in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, has once again made headlines for the wrong reasons. This time, a female employee has accused the mall’s manager of rape, blackmail, and physical assault. The police have arrested the accused manager, identified as Farhaz, and he has been sent to jail.

According to the woman's complaint, she was working at Lulu Mall when the manager allegedly spiked her cold drink with sedatives. After she became unconscious, he reportedly sexually assaulted her. The woman further said that he recorded a video of the act and later used it to threaten and blackmail her.

Victim says she was assaulted, burned with cigarette

The case has shocked many due to the seriousness of the allegations. In her detailed complaint, the woman said that when she refused to give in to the manager's demands for money, he threatened to leak the video online.

She also claimed that Farhaz physically assaulted her multiple times, and in one horrific instance, burned her with a cigarette. The police registered an FIR under various sections, including rape, assault, and criminal intimidation.

The case is now being investigated by the Sushant Golf City police station in Lucknow. Police officials confirmed that the accused has been taken into custody and further legal action is underway.

This is not the first time that Lulu Mall has been caught in controversy. In 2022, just after its grand opening, the mall made news when a video surfaced showing a group of people offering namaz inside the mall.

The video led to strong protests from Hindu organisations, who demanded that Hanuman Chalisa be recited in the mall in response. The incident sparked a heated debate over religious practices in public places.

To calm the situation, the mall management filed an FIR against the individuals offering namaz and issued a statement saying that no religious activity is allowed inside the mall premises. The management also appealed to the public not to turn the mall into a political or religious battleground.

Public reaction and concerns about safety

After this latest incident, questions are being raised about women’s safety at workplaces, especially in popular commercial spaces like malls. The public has expressed shock and anger on social media, demanding strict action against the accused and a thorough investigation.

Many are also urging Lulu Mall’s management to review their internal safety policies and take serious steps to protect female employees. People are saying that this is not just a legal issue but also a question of corporate responsibility.

The police have said they are taking the matter very seriously. Officials have promised a fair and speedy investigation and assured that no one will be spared if found guilty.

Meanwhile, the victim is receiving support and care, and her statement has been recorded under legal supervision. Activists and women’s rights groups are demanding psychological support and legal help for the woman.

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What happens next?

With the manager now in judicial custody, the focus will be on how the investigation unfolds. The police are expected to collect digital and forensic evidence, and the video clip mentioned in the complaint will likely play a major role in the case.

The Lulu Mall management is yet to release an official statement on the new allegations. However, given the mall's past controversies, pressure is mounting on the authorities to respond quickly and ensure that such incidents are not repeated.