BHUBANESWAR: A sensational case related to “love jihad” has emerged in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha. The Commissionerate Police have arrested a Muslim youth for allegedly posing as a Hindu man to trap a young woman in a romantic relationship and later attempting to forcibly take her to Karnataka.
The accused has been identified as Irfan Ansari, reportedly a resident of Bidar district in Karnataka. According to police, he contacted the woman through social media using the name Jayaram Sharma, presenting himself as a Hindu and developing a relationship with her under this false identity.
Police sources indicate that the 26-year-old woman, a native of Bhadrak district in Odisha, had completed training in psychology and air hostess studies at a university in Bhubaneswar. After finishing her studies, she accepted a job at a hotel in Karnataka. It was during this time that she connected with the accused through social media.
Police reported that Ansari allegedly introduced himself on Facebook as Jayaram Sharma, claiming to be Hindu. Through regular online conversations, he gradually developed a friendship with the woman, which later turned into a romantic relationship. The accused reportedly promised to marry her.
After some time, the woman returned from Karnataka and began working in Puri. During this period, Ansari allegedly visited Puri several times to meet her. Their contact continued for nearly a year, and investigators noted that the woman remained unaware of the accused’s true identity throughout.
The case took a dramatic turn when Ansari asked the woman to meet him in Bhubaneswar. He allegedly booked a room at a hotel in the Sahidnagar area for their meeting. According to police, while Ansari briefly went to the bathroom, the woman noticed two Aadhaar cards in his pocket.
One card was issued in the name Irfan Ansari, while the other bore the name Jayaram Sharma. Suspecting deception, the woman confronted him after discovering the two identity documents. Police stated that when she refused to continue the relationship and objected to his concealment of identity, an argument ensued.
Following the woman’s complaint and prompt information shared with the police, officers launched an operation and managed to detain the accused before he could flee. During the operation, police also seized a car from his possession. Some weapons were reportedly recovered as well, although officials have not yet disclosed detailed information about them.
The Sahidnagar Police Station has registered a case and initiated a detailed investigation into the matter. Police officials are preparing to take the accused into custody for further questioning. Investigators are also trying to determine whether the accused may have targeted or contacted other women using similar methods on social media.
Authorities have urged individuals, especially young women, to exercise caution when interacting with strangers online and to verify identities before developing personal relationships. Meanwhile, police stated that the investigation is ongoing, and further details may emerge as the probe progresses.
