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Man accused of sexual assault, harassment after victim reports being repeatedly followed

Sault Police say 28-year-old suspect 'made several attempts to communicate with and follow the victim, despite being told to leave them alone'
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James Hopkin/SooToday

A 28-year-old is facing a pair of charges following a sexual assault report earlier this month.

On Tuesday, officers with the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service made an arrest in connection with the investigation.

On Oct. 7, police received a report of a sexual assault that took place on Sept. 4.

Police say that there were "instances of unwanted communication" between the victim and the accused.

"An investigation revealed the accused had hugged the victim without their consent," a news release says. "In the following weeks, the accused made several attempts to communicate with and follow the victim, despite being told to leave them alone. The victim and accused are known to one another. A warrant was obtained for their arrest."

Devpriya Balhara is charged with sexual assault and criminal harassment.

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled back in court on Dec. 9, 2024.

None of the allegations have been tested in court and Balhara is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.