Love jihad case in UP
Three individuals have been apprehended by the police in Uttar Pradesh’s Mirzapur district for their involvement in the rape of a married woman and an attempt to forcibly convert her religion. The authorities have labeled it as a case of ‘love jihad,’ where the primary accused, identified as Arif Khan, deceived the woman by posing as a Hindu man and subsequently raped her.
The survivor reported that she initially received a call from someone claiming to be Abhay Mishra. Despite the initial confusion, they continued conversing and developed a closer relationship through subsequent phone calls. On March 24, when the woman visited her maternal home in Mirzapur, Arif also arrived there and later took her to Ambala.
It was during their time in Ambala that the woman discovered Arif Khan’s true religious identity of love jihad, leading to a confrontation between them. Arif then held the woman against her will for 25 days, during which he sexually assaulted her, as per the woman’s complaint. He also filmed the act and utilized the footage to blackmail her.
According to the police, the accused also coerced the woman into performing namaz, wearing a burqa, and observing Eid while she was held captive. The incident came to light when the victim managed to escape, prompting her and her husband to file a complaint against Arif with the Mirzapur police.
In addition to Arif, his brother Imroz Khan and friend Shahabuddin have also been arrested. The police conducted raids in multiple states, including Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan, leading to the arrests.
Superintendent of Police Santosh Mishra stated that this was a clear instance of ‘love jihad,’ and an active investigation is underway. He assured that appropriate action would be taken in this case.
