by Anjali Rani
I am sharing my story publicly because silence has only protected abusers and institutions. Toronto must decide whether it will continue protecting the powerful or finally stand with the women it claims to serve.
What happens when the systems meant to protect a young immigrant woman turn against her? In my case, a near-deadly assault, a police force that dismissed me, and a workplace that retaliated instead of offering support created a cycle of injustice no woman should face.
On May 26, 2025, I faced an attempted sexual assault in my own home in Scarborough. A housemate tried to force entry into my locked room, aided by another tenant. Fearing for my life, I defended myself by breaking objects inside the house and playing spiritual music loudly, a non-violent attempt to drive him away.
Instead of protecting me, officers from the Toronto Police Service Division 42 wrongfully arrested me. Before hearing my side, one officer dismissed me as experiencing a “mental episode.” The alleged perpetrator remained untouched.
This was not the first time this man displayed violent behaviour. In November 2024, another woman living in the same house was repeatedly assaulted by him.
I hold audio recordings that capture physical assault and kicking, threats to her life, demands for money, mockery of her immigration status, boasts of being able to evade legal consequences because of influence, her clear 911 call explaining that her life was in danger, and another tenant reassuring the perpetrator, even laughing, after hearing about the 911 call.
Despite this evidence of physical violence, death threats, extortion, and a direct emergency call, police never arrested him. When he later attempted to assault me, I chose not to call 911 because I had already lost faith in the system’s ability to protect women.
After my wrongful arrest, I made multiple good-faith attempts to be heard. On August 23, I emailed both officers involved, copying Division 42, but received no response. On August 25, I visited Division 42 in person. The desk officer read my email and the report, then coldly told me to “wait” without guidance or next steps.
By August 31, over a week later, there was still no response despite my holding critical evidence. Division 42 repeatedly failed to act, leaving me exposed and unprotected.
The police mishandling extended into my professional life. Fake accounts were created in my name by those connected to this case and used to spread defamatory lies at my workplace, Canadian Tire (Leslie & Lakeshore), where I had worked for nearly two years.
Instead of investigating, my employer retaliated. I was terminated without a single conversation, based solely on gossip. Human Resources demanded a doctor’s note “proving” I was fit to work, although I had already submitted medical documentation from the Scarborough Health Network. I complied and sent an additional note, but received no reply. My experience letter was withheld until I repeatedly chased HR, the store manager, and my supervisor.
When I reported my wrongful termination to the Canadian Tire Dealers’ Association (CTDA), I was falsely accused of never submitting the doctor’s note, despite possessing clear proof. This chain of retaliation shows how being branded “unstable” by Division 42 officers created a false stigma that damaged both my safety and livelihood.
This case is not about one woman alone. It reveals police abuse of power where an immigrant woman reporting a serious crime is dismissed and criminalised. It exposes institutional failures where clear evidence against a violent man was ignored. It highlights workplace retaliation where lies and stigma cost me my livelihood.
I followed every proper channel. I reported, emailed, visited in person, and complied with all workplace demands. Instead of justice, I was silenced.
I now call for a full review of my case and acknowledgement of me as the victim. I request consideration of the audio evidence I hold. I seek escalation to Professional Standards and the Sex Crimes Unit. I demand recognition of workplace retaliation directly linked to police mishandling.
I came to Canada to study and build a future. Instead, in less than two years, I faced sexual violence, wrongful arrest, and career sabotage.
I am sharing my story publicly because silence has only protected abusers and institutions. Toronto must decide whether it will continue protecting the powerful or finally stand with the women it claims to serve.
(The writer is a recent graduate based in Toronto, where she has lived since 2023, after three years in the corporate sector. While working as a cashier at Canadian Tire, she built a steady life until unforeseen events disrupted her safety and stability. The views expressed are the author’s own. Kashmir Life bears no responsibility for their authenticity.)
