Predator Exposed: Community Leader Sentenced for Multiple Rapes
A respected Indian community leader has been sentenced to an extensive prison term for the “meticulously planned, manipulative, and predatory” rapes of five Korean women.
Balesh Dhankhar lured his victims through fake job postings before drugging them either in or around his residence. The married IT consultant then assaulted the women, capturing his heinous acts on video for future reference.
All victims were either unconscious or significantly impaired during the assaults. Authorities discovered an Excel spreadsheet documenting his interactions with each victim, including their personal information and an assessment of their vulnerabilities in relation to his predatory schemes.
During sentencing, District Court Judge Michael King noted the unprecedented nature of Dhankhar’s offenses in New South Wales. He described the defendant’s actions as “premeditated, intricately executed, manipulative, and highly predatory,” showing a complete and callous disregard for the victims’ wellbeing.
“This series of offenses against five unrelated, vulnerable women over an extended period is nothing short of egregious,” the judge stated.
Victim-survivor advocate Karen Iles commended the judge for acknowledging the profound impact on the victims. One survivor poignantly shared that Dhankhar “has inflicted wounds on my soul.”
“This highlights why sexual violence is treated as such a serious crime,” Iles expressed to AAP. “These horrific acts are among the gravest offenses, and to change attitudes and behaviors, we must prioritize deterrence.”
Iles emphasized that the severity of the sentence would resonate with Australian women, one in five of whom has experienced sexual assault at some point in their lives. “According to the Law Reform Commission’s recent findings, less than one percent of sexual assault offenders face legal repercussions, and many sentences do not involve incarceration,” she added.
Before his arrest in 2018, Dhankhar was well-respected in the Indian-Australian community, having founded a local chapter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party and served as a spokesman for the Hindu Council of Australia. He also worked as a data visualization consultant for organizations such as the ABC, British American Tobacco, Toyota, and Sydney Trains, having moved to Australia as a student in 2006.
The judge pointed out that Dhankhar’s public persona as a community-focused individual was “completely at odds with the deeply flawed and predatory character” revealed during the trial. Following the assault on his fifth victim in October 2018, police searched his Sydney CBD apartment and discovered date-rape drugs and a video recording device disguised as a clock radio.
In 2023, a jury found him guilty of 39 offenses, including 13 counts of sexual assault. Dhankhar maintains his innocence, insisting he did not drug his victims and claiming a “discrepancy in how I interpret consent compared to legal standards.”
Dhankhar’s non-parole period will extend until April 2053, retroactively adjusted to the conclusion of his trial. He will be 83 years old when his full 40-year sentence is completed.
This is a deeply disturbing case that highlights the serious issue of sexual violence and the manipulation that often accompanies it. The calculated nature of Balesh Dhankhar’s actions is particularly chilling—using false job ads to target vulnerable women and preying on them in such a horrific way is a betrayal not only of individual victims but of the trust within the community he claimed to serve.
The lengthy sentence reflects the gravity of his crimes and serves as an important reminder of the need for strong penalties for sexual violence offenders. It’s heartening to see some recognition of the impact his actions have had on the survivors, as emphasized by victim-survivor advocate Karen Iles. Her commentary on the necessity of deterrence and addressing societal attitudes towards sexual violence is crucial in preventing future offenses.
It’s also worth noting the broader implications of this case, especially in a community context. Dhankhar’s role in the Indian-Australian community and his public persona indicate a stark contrast to his criminal behavior. This duality can leave community members grappling with feelings of betrayal and distrust, underscoring the complexities surrounding predators who blend in seamlessly with their communities.
Ultimately, this case serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for awareness, prevention, and support for victims of sexual violence. As a society, we must continue to advocate for justice and ensure that survivors are heard and believed.