A Representation Image of 'Love and Grooming Jihad', (Image: Organiser)
In East Champaran, Bihar, a case reminiscent of the patterns depicted in ‘The Kerala Story’ film has surfaced, shedding light on what is being labelled as a ‘Love Jihad’ incident. Notably, on Saturday, April 20, 2024, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) apprehended Sameer Alam, a married man, who lured a minor Hindu girl from the Dalit community.
Sameer Alam, aged 26, stands accused of marrying the minor girl under false pretences and subsequently enticing her to accompany him to Nepal. According to reports, Sameer has previously faced allegations of converting Hindu girls to Islam and then selling them.
Media reports indicate that a 17-year-old Hindu girl from Narkatiaganj, Bihar, was a frequent visitor to her friend Salma Khatun’s residence. During one such visit, she accompanied Salma to a wedding ceremony, where she encountered Sameer Alam. Despite the girl’s initial refusals, Sameer persistently tried to engage her in conversation. His pursuit continued even when she attended school, where he frequently attempted to approach her.
After some time, the victim began conversing with Sameer. However, Sameer withheld his Muslim identity. Over the course of their two-month conversation, Sameer persistently proposed bringing the girl to his home. Initially hesitant, she eventually agreed under the condition of a prompt return. Upon leaving for school one day, she headed directly to Sameer’s residence. Allegedly, many women were present, and in their presence, Sameer attempted to apply vermilion to the victim’s forehead, a Hindu custom symbolising marriage.
The victim notified the police, expressing her realisation of being ensnared in the situation. Subsequent to the marriage, Sameer confined her within his residence, prohibiting her from going outside. Despite two attempts to flee, she was apprehended each time. Furthermore, her phone was confiscated. In one instance, when she clandestinely endeavoured to contact her home using Sameer’s phone, she faced severe reprimand.
Meanwhile, Sameer initiated a scheme to sell the girl in Nepal. To execute his plan, he proposed taking her to the Raxaul market on a certain day. While escorting the girl towards the Nepal border, Sameer Alam was intercepted by Inspector Manoj Kumar Sharma of the 47th Battalion of the SSB stationed at the border. Detecting suspicious behaviour, Inspector Sharma interrogated Sameer. Sameer’s manner of speech further aroused suspicion. Despite being questioned, the girl remained silent, divulging no information.
Subsequently, Inspector Manoj Sharma escorted Sameer and the victim to the police station. During further investigation, numerous objectionable videos and photos were recovered from Sameer’s mobile device. Additionally, the inquiry uncovered Sameer Alam’s prior involvement in trafficking a minor girl from the Dalit community on May 11, 2022. Sameer, a resident of Bettiah and the son of Mohammad Guddu Miyan, faced accusations related to this incident.
At that time, a case was filed against him under sections 363, 366, 376, 370 of the Indian Penal Code, as well as under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 03 (2), and the Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes (ST, SC) Act in Pratapgarh. According to reports, Sameer is reported to be already married and a father of one child.
During further interrogation, Sameer Alam admitted his intention to take the minor girl to Nepal for the purpose of selling her. When questioned about the possibility of facing jail time again for trafficking a Dalit girl, Sameer brazenly responded to the police, stating, “No problem, I will go to jail again, then I will come out on bail.” Eventually, upon the revelation of his deceit, the minor victim courageously exposed Sameer Alam’s actions to the police and SSB.
Consequently, Ranjit Singh, a social worker from Raxaul, filed a police complaint against Sameer Alam. Acting upon this complaint, Sameer Alam has been charged under sections 363, 366, 376, and 370 of the Indian Penal Code, as well as under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) Act, and the Child Marriage Act.
He has been apprehended and placed in custody. The victim’s family has been notified, and the police are actively engaged in the ongoing investigation of the case.
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