Indian-origin man in Australia denied bail for ‘stalking’ woman he met on dating app; judge says risk to her safety ‘too great’ | World News

Indian-origin man in Australia denied bail for ‘stalking’ woman he met on dating app/Image: Getty Images

An Indian-origin man in Australia has been denied bail after prosecutors alleged he repeatedly harassed a woman he met on a dating app, continued contacting her after she rejected his advances and used government systems to obtain personal information about her family.Suyash Sinha, 31, appeared before the ACT Magistrates Court after being arrested during a police raid on his property. Special Magistrate Lucinda Wilson refused his bail application, citing concerns about the woman’s safety and the risk of interference with witnesses or evidence.According to ABC News, prosecutors argued that Sinha had developed a fixation on the woman and had refused to accept her rejection. The court was told that the complainant was frightened and experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).“He’s fixated on this person, and he’s refused to accept ‘no’ as an answer to his advances,” the prosecutor told the court.Sinha’s lawyer sought bail, arguing that he played a significant financial role in supporting family members overseas and in Canberra. His lawyer said those responsibilities would give him an incentive to comply with bail conditions and remain out of custody.However, prosecutors opposed his release, raising concerns about the woman’s safety and the possibility that he could interfere with the investigation.

Alleged harassment continued after rejection

The allegations began after Sinha and the woman connected through a dating app. She allegedly told him she was not interested in a relationship, but he continued messaging her.In August, Sinha allegedly sent her a message describing what she was wearing, prompting fears that she was being stalked.Police said the woman eventually agreed to meet him at a pub out of frustration. During the meeting, Sinha allegedly claimed he worked in finance for the ACT government and wanted a relationship.When she mentioned having brothers, he allegedly identified one of them and said anyone could be looked up through government systems.The woman reportedly repeated that she was not interested, but messages allegedly continued over the following months. She sometimes received several friend requests in a day from accounts with intimidating usernames, including “will be seeing you soon” and “I hate you so much, goodbye”.She reported the matter to police in September and was advised to deactivate her social media accounts.

Court cites safety concerns

Police executed a search warrant at Sinha’s home before his court appearance and seized several electronic devices, the court heard.Wilson said the alleged conduct showed a disregard for the complainant’s rights and safety.“I appreciate you have interests in the community but I consider your risk to the safety to the health and wellbeing of the complainant is too great,” she said.