‘Adam Sena’ Imposes Sharia: Muslim women threatened with rape, murder for interacting with non-Muslim men in Jharkhand

A disturbing situation has unfolded in the villages of Ramgarh district of Jharkhand, as the organisation known as Adam Sena, composed of Muslim youths, has reportedly imposed Sharia, sparking fear and tension among locals. Muslim girls are allegedly forbidden from interacting with non-Muslims and are compelled to wear burqas under this mandate. The situation has escalated to include threats of rape, murder, and expulsion from the community for dissenters. Despite the gravity of these allegations, authorities have initially classified the matter as a mere land dispute, prompting concerns over the adequacy of the response.

In the Rajrappa police station jurisdiction, a distressing scenario has emerged, shedding light on the imposition of Sharia law by members of Adam Sena, an organisation comprised primarily of Muslim youths. Reports indicate a series of coercive measures targeting Muslim girls, including restrictions on interactions with individuals from other communities and mandatory veiling in the form of burqas.

The gravity of the situation became apparent through the accounts of a victim who has bravely come forward despite facing threats and intimidation. The victim, on the promise of anonymity, alleges a harrowing sequence of events, including an attempted rape by an individual named Sabir Ali in December 2023. Following this incident, the victim asserts that she and her family have been subjected to ongoing harassment and violence aimed at coercing them to vacate their land.

On February 17, 2024, the victim revisited the police station to file a complaint detailing further intimidation tactics employed by Sabir Ali, Salman, and Ahmed, purported leaders of Adam Sena. These individuals allegedly resorted to threats and physical violence, compelling the victim to retract her accusations and submit to their demands. In a chilling revelation, the victim disclosed that she and her family were warned against seeking recourse through administrative channels, as the perpetrators claimed Sharia law prevailed in the area.

The victim’s plight underscores the vulnerability faced by those resisting the imposition of Sharia law and highlights the urgent need for intervention. Expressing desperation and a sense of hopelessness, the victim warned of drastic measures, including the possibility of suicide, if authorities fail to address the escalating threats and violence perpetrated by Adam Sena.

However, law enforcement authorities, represented by Rajrappa police station in-charge Navin Prakash Pandey, have initially downplayed the gravity of the situation, attributing it to a land dispute. While acknowledging the existence of two FIRs related to land disputes involving the victim’s family, Pandey’s assertion fails to address the broader implications of the allegations of coercion and intimidation by Adam Sena.

As tensions escalate and fear grips the affected communities, calls for a comprehensive investigation and decisive action to protect the rights and safety of all residents grow louder. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Constitution, particularly in the face of threats posed by extremist ideologies.