A prominent Bengal cricketer associated with the Delhi Capitals has been arrested in Kolkata in connection with a case involving allegations of rape, criminal intimidation and other sexual offences. The development comes weeks after the Calcutta High Court directed police to apprehend the accused and seize electronic devices that allegedly contained sensitive material linked to the complainant.
Abishek Porel arrested by Bengal Police
Bengal and Delhi Capitals wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel was arrested by Bengal Police on August 11, 2026, in connection with the case registered at Mogra Police Station. Reports stated that Porel was taken into custody from the Dum Dum area before being produced before a court, which subsequently remanded him to police custody.
The case was filed in June following a complaint by a woman medical student. The allegations include that Porel established a physical relationship with the complainant on the promise of marriage and subsequently subjected her to threats and intimidation. The allegations remain matters for investigation and judicial determination and have not been established as fact.
The matter took a serious turn in July when the Calcutta High Court directed the police to intensify efforts to apprehend Porel and another accused. Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya also ordered authorities to seize electronic devices believed to contain sensitive photographs or other material involving the complainant.
Court raises concern over electronic evidence
During the July 14 hearing, the complainant’s side told the court that further action was necessary to secure electronic devices allegedly in the possession of the accused. The concern was that private material could potentially be circulated or shared with others.
The court subsequently directed the concerned police authorities to continue their efforts to apprehend the accused and seize the devices so that the alleged material could not be further disseminated. The order also reflected the importance of protecting the complainant’s dignity and privacy while the investigation proceeds. At the August 11 hearing, the court was informed by the inspector in charge of Mogra Police Station that respondent no. 6 had been apprehended. The police sought additional time to take necessary steps following the arrest.
The legal development comes at a time when Porel has been away from competitive cricket. The wicketkeeper-batter has not played competitive cricket since the conclusion of IPL 2026, where he featured in only four matches for the Delhi Capitals. Porel has emerged as an important domestic player for Bengal and has also been part of the Delhi Capitals setup in the IPL. His arrest now puts his immediate cricketing future under an additional cloud as the legal proceedings move forward.
