In a concerning development, a minor Hindu girl disappeared on December 20 from the Madhepura district of Bihar, as per the First Information Report (FIR). The parents of the girl alleged that she was abducted by Mohammad Sahil, a resident of the neighbouring village. Supporting their claim, the parents provided a video to the police in which the girl asserts that she has voluntarily eloped and threatens to commit suicide if any harm befalls Sahil’s family members.
Following the parents’ complaint, the police registered an FIR (number 1237/2023) at the Madhepura police station on December 21, initiating investigations into the matter. According to the complaint, the parents of the Hindu girl, identified as Anu Kumari (name changed), reported her missing on December 20 when she failed to return from Parvati College. Exhausting all avenues, they checked with relatives and friends before seeking police intervention.
The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the circumstances surrounding the girl’s disappearance and verify the claims made by both the parents and the girl in the video. The case underscores the urgency of addressing such incidents and ensuring the safety and well-being of minors involved. Authorities are diligently working towards resolving the matter and locating the missing girl.
The family accused Mohammad Sahil, Firoz, Tasleem, Afroz, Ishaq and others of abducting her.
In response to the family’s complaint, the police have filed charges against the accused under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 366 (abducting), 366A (procuration of a minor girl), and 34 (acts done by several people with common intention).
On December 25, the victim’s brother, Rohit Arya, received a call from the Organiser who informed him that Mohammad Sahil’s family had vacated the village, and law enforcement is actively pursuing them. He shared his concern regarding his sister being converted to Islam by the accused family and stressed on speedy recovery.
As of December 25, a video featuring the minor girl surfaced on the internet. In the video, she asserts that she willingly left her home to elope with Mohammad Sahil. According to a court affidavit, she is now married to him. The video includes a stark warning that any harm inflicted upon Sahil or his family will lead to dire consequences, as both of them have resolved to take their own lives. The situation remains dynamic as authorities continue to investigate and address the complexities surrounding the case.
Love Jihad Bihar: 17-year-old Hindu girl eloped with Mohd Sahil on December 20. After family lodged complaint, she issued a video statement with affidavit stating she is married & happy. Her family told me, she is groomed & manipulated, he will convert her if not recovered timely pic.twitter.com/URYLTKuirB
— Subhi Vishwakarma (@subhi_karma) December 25, 2023
Neeraj Kumar ‘Bablu,’ a former minister of the Bihar government and prominent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, issued an ultimatum on December 25 regarding the Madhopur kidnapping incident. Expressing deep concern over the abduction of a 17-year-old Hindu girl, he warned the police and administration that if the girl is not safely brought back within two days, he and his supporters would take to the streets in protest.
The victim’s mother, speaking to the media, revealed that her daughter had conveyed over the phone that she had no intention of returning. After a brief conversation, the girl switched off her phone, and subsequent attempts to contact her proved futile. During one of the calls, she tearfully stated, “I am not coming back. I have got married,” before abruptly ending the conversation. Since then, her phone has been untraceable.
Upon learning about the incident, Neeraj Kumar reached out to Bhan Tekdi and characterised the case as a clear instance of Love Jihad. He asserted that if the administration fails to locate the girl within two days, he and his supporters would initiate protests on the streets.
In response to the escalating situation, Madhopur Superintendent of Police Rajesh Kumar issued a statement assuring that the police are actively investigating the matter and are committed to recovering the girl by nightfall. The incident underscores the sensitive nature of issues related to alleged abductions and interfaith relationships, prompting both political and law enforcement interventions.
