In a distressing case that highlights the vulnerability of military families, the wife and daughters of Captain Vasrat Ali, a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) stationed at the India-Pakistan border in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, are living in constant fear due to relentless harassment by local Islamists in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh.
Anjum, the wife of Captain Ali, has accused two men, identified as Saddam Hussain and Khatim Ali, of subjecting her family to verbal abuse, extortion, and threats of abduction, pushing them to the brink of despair.
The ordeal began when Captain Ali, who had briefly returned home to Faik Enclave Colony under the Baradari police station jurisdiction on leave, was urgently recalled to duty following the recent Pahalgam terror attack and the launch of Operation Sindoor. Left alone with her two daughters, Anjum alleges that the accused have exploited her husband’s absence, targeting her family with increasing audacity.
A Family Under Siege
Anjum, in an emotional appeal to reporters, detailed the harrowing experiences her family has endured. “My husband is protecting the country at the border, but here in Bareilly, we feel unsafe. We are constantly receiving death threats. Goons stop us on the road and harass us. They demand ‘goonda tax’ (extortion money). So far, they have extorted Rs 1.5 lakh from us. I have sold my jewellery to pay them. Now they are demanding more money. They threaten that if I don’t pay, they will abduct my young daughter. Bareilly police are not listening to me. Yogi Ji, please help me, or I will commit suicide along with my entire family,” she said, addressing Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Anjum’s fears extend to her daughters’ safety, particularly her school-going daughter, whom she now hesitates to send to school. “My daughter goes to school, but I am scared that these people might abduct her. They have threatened to kidnap her multiple times,” she revealed. The accused have also dishonoured Anjum by posting obscene photographs of her on social media and making derogatory comments, further compounding her distress.
A Pattern of Intimidation
The harassment has escalated over time, with the accused showing no fear of legal repercussions. In her complaint letter, Anjum recounted a recent incident on May 3, 2025, at approximately 9:30 AM near Sheel Square in Rajendra Nagar, Bareilly, where Saddam Hussain and Khatim Ali cornered her, abused her with filthy language, knocked down her scooter, and demanded Rs 2 lakh.
“They threatened to defame me if I didn’t give the money,” she said. When Anjum dialled 112 for police assistance, the culprits fled before the authorities arrived. Despite lodging a complaint at the Baradari police station, no action was taken at the time.
Anjum alleges that the accused have extorted approximately Rs 50,000 each from her on multiple occasions, totalling rs 1.5 lakh, forcing her to sell personal jewellery to meet their demands. “They keep calling and messaging me on WhatsApp, using vulgar language to scare me into paying Rs 2 lakh as ‘goonda tax,’” she said.
The accused, who reportedly have multiple criminal cases registered against them at various police stations, continue to roam freely, undeterred by the law.
Police Response and FIR Details
Frustrated by the lack of action, Anjum approached Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anurag Arya on May 15, 2025, and successfully filed a First Information Report (FIR Number: 493/2025) against Saddam Hussain, son of Abdul Rehman, resident of Aslam Colony, Izzatnagar, and Khatim Ali, son of Akhtar Ali, resident of Sufi Tola, Isaiyon ki Puliya, Baradari.
The FIR, registered at Baradari police station, invokes sections 352 (criminal intimidation), 351(1) (causing hurt), 351(3) (causing grievous hurt), 74 (outraging the modesty of a woman), and 308(2) (extortion) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The FIR, based on Anjum’s written application, details the accused’s repeated abuses, threats to kidnap her daughter, and demands for extortion money. It also notes their use of social media to defame her and their history of criminal behaviour. “Both these people are criminals. Dozens of criminal cases are registered against them in different police stations. If I do not fulfil their unreasonable demand, these people can even kill me,” Anjum wrote in her application, dated May 13, 2025.
Despite the FIR, Anjum remains terrified as the accused have not been arrested. “Even after almost 24 hours, the accused are still roaming freely. They have no fear of the law. Because of them, my life has become hell,” she said.
SSP Assures Action
SSP Anurag Arya, responding to the allegations, confirmed that an FIR was registered on May 15, 2025, and assured that the Bareilly police are taking the matter seriously. “Based on Anjum’s complaint, an FIR was registered against both accused at Baradari police station. The investigation has begun, and orders have been issued to arrest both accused soon. There is no need to fear as Bareilly police stand with her,” he stated.
However, Anjum remains sceptical, citing previous instances where her complaints were ignored. “I have complained to the police several times, but they never take us seriously. As a result, these two have become more emboldened,” she said. Her husband, Captain Ali, is reportedly distressed by the situation but is unable to return home due to his duties at the border.
A Plea for Justice
Anjum’s desperation has reached a breaking point. “I don’t know what to do anymore. I will go and meet the Chief Minister, and if no action is taken even then, I will end my life with my children,” she said, her voice trembling with fear and frustration.
The case has sparked outrage among local residents, who are calling for swift action to protect the family of a soldier serving the nation.
