A disturbing case of sexual exploitation and religious coercion has come to light in Deoria city of Uttar Pradesh. Usman Khan, who owns SS Mall and EG Mart, has been accused of systematically targeting Hindu women employees, exploiting them sexually, recording obscene videos, and using those videos to blackmail them into submission.
Khan reportedly carried out these acts with the active involvement of his wife Tarannum and brother-in-law Gauhar Ansari. Victims allege that the top floor of the mall housed two rooms specifically used for exploitation.
According to statements from one of the victims, young Hindu women employees were lured with promises of a luxurious lifestyle, high salaries, and even opportunities abroad. However, once trapped, they were forced into sexual exploitation. The accused would record objectionable videos and then blackmail the victims, threatening to circulate them if they resisted.
Reports further suggest that these victims were sometimes sent to visiting businessmen from outside Deoria.
One of the survivors eventually mustered the courage to leave her job and filed a complaint with the local police. However, she alleged that her initial complaint was ignored. Action was only taken after she directly approached Superintendent of Police (SP) Vikrant Veer, who assured her that strict measures would follow against the accused.
Meanwhile, Khan’s brother-in-law, Gauhar Ansari, has also been accused of running away with a Hindu girl. He has since been arrested and is now in police custody.
The case has sparked outrage in the region, with demands for strict legal action against Khan, his family members, and others involved in what locals are calling an organised exploitation racket.
