Canberra: An Australian public servant of Indian origin has been arrested and denied bail over allegations that he stalked a woman and threatened to use government databases to obtain information about her and her family.
Thirty-one-year-old Suyash Sinha was arrested following a police search of his residence. A court in Canberra subsequently rejected his bail application, concluding that the risk to the complainant's safety and well-being was far too great.
Sinha, who recently became an Australian citizen, reportedly connected with the woman through a dating app earlier in the year. He is accused of persistently messaging her even after she declined his romantic advances.
In August, Sinha allegedly spotted the woman shopping at a local supermarket, described her outfit to her over text, and revealed his presence at the location. The victim subsequently agreed to meet him at a pub in an effort to demand that he cease all contact.
During that meeting, Sinha reportedly stated that he worked in finance for the local government and referenced one of her siblings, warning that anyone could be looked up using official government systems.
The victim later received multiple social media friend requests from intimidating accounts, prompting her to report the matter to law enforcement. Prosecutors informed the magistrates court that the woman was left terrified and suffering from symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Opposing the bail application, prosecutors argued that Sinha exhibited a dangerous fixation on the victim and posed a direct threat to her safety, as well as a risk of interfering with evidence and witnesses.
Special Magistrate Lucinda Wilson noted during the proceedings that the woman had never reciprocated Sinha's interest during the months following their initial contact, pointing out that he refused to accept rejection.
Defense counsel contested the allegations, highlighting that Sinha had no prior criminal record and financially supported family members in India alongside his brother in Canberra.
Sinha has been remanded in custody while the legal proceedings are adjourned, leaving him facing ongoing accusations of stalking and threats to misuse government database access.