Love Jihad Kanpur: Minor held captive by Mohd Danish, raped, and forced into Islamic conversion

In a harrowing incident that has sent shockwaves through Uttar Pradesh, a case of love jihad has emerged in Kanpur, where a 20-year-old man named Danish stands accused of trapping a 14-year-old girl in a web of deceit, kidnapping her, and subjecting her to multiple instances of sexual assault.

The disturbing episode unfolded in the Chakeri police station area, where Danish, son of Gulfam, allegedly lured the young girl into a relationship by assuming a Hindu identity on social media. Promising her a life of opulence, he presented images of grand homes and cars on Instagram, concealing the reality of his humble living conditions in a one-room slum built on a drain.

On October 22, 2023, Danish reportedly called the victim to Maikupurwa, where he abducted her and held her captive for two months. During this time, he subjected her to physical and emotional abuse, forcing her to consume beef, perform namaz, and changing her name to Muskaan Khan. The ordeal also involved threats and beatings if she resisted.

The matter came to a head on December 30, as Danish planned to convert the minor to Islam against her will and marry her. Fortunately, Hindu organisations, including Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, became aware of the situation and, with the help of locals, successfully rescued the victim.

The father of the girl, who was unaware of her plight until that moment, narrated the traumatic experience. He explained that on the fateful day, his daughter received a call, left the house, and did not return. It was only after an extended search that the family learned about the abduction, leading them to file a complaint at the police station and demand justice for their child.

According to a Hindu activist involved in the rescue, the girl had been in contact with Danish for three months on social media before being lured and trapped. Attempts to escape were met with failure, and she was taken to a Mosque where she was fed meat and coerced into religious practices. Her SIM card was damaged, restricting her communication with the outside world.

Anand Singh, the District Vice President of Vishva Hindu Parishad, revealed that the girl initially defended the accused but broke down and disclosed the horrifying events when approached by Hindu activists. The accused, along with his family, allegedly assaulted her for objecting to their actions.

Danish has been apprehended, and a case has been registered against him under relevant sections. The victim’s statement and the evidence collected will be crucial in the ongoing investigation. The incident highlights the urgent need for vigilance against such cases and emphasises the importance of safeguarding the vulnerable from exploitation.