In a significant development regarding the ‘Love Jihad’ case in Bhubaneswar, the Commissionerate Police has intensified its investigation into this sensitive issue. The authorities are examining whether the accused, Md Samir Mansoor, has any connections to terror organisations.
Speaking to the media in Bhubaneswar, Twin City Police Commissioner Suresh Dev Datta Singh stated, “In light of allegations of online cheating, threats, and blackmail made by a woman, we have initiated an investigation and arrested one Md Samir Mansoor in connection with the case.”
“During the investigation, it was discovered that he may reside in Bihar and work in Kashmir. To verify this initial information, the Commissionerate Police is in contact with the police forces in Bihar and Kashmir. We have also sought the court’s permission for his remand,” Singh added.
All criminal records of the accused, Mohammad Sameer Mansoor, have been requested. The investigation is also looking into any potential links between Sameer and terrorist groups. A two-day remand application has been submitted to the court for Sameer.
Information about him has been shared with the National Investigative Agency (NIA), and a request for Sameer’s criminal records has been made to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). The investigation seeks to ascertain whether he was deceiving young women under the guise of “Love Jihad” or involved in other criminal activities. A lady Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) has been assigned to conduct the necessary verification.
According to police sources, one team is inspecting hotels and has questioned hotel authorities about the duration of Sameer and a young woman’s stay in a hotel in March.
It may be noted that on November 9, the Commissionerate Police arrested Samir Mansoor after a woman filed a complaint against him at the Mahila Police Station in Bhubaneswar, alleging that he forced her to undergo religious conversion and marry him. The man also allegedly threatened the victim with the release of video clips of their intimate moments on the internet.
Based on the victim’s complaint, the police registered a case and apprehended Mansoor while he was attempting to leave Odisha by train. Mansoor claimed to be from Bihar and stated that he was currently residing in Kashmir.
