Love Jihad case surfaces in Varanasi; Accused Sharukh absconding, FIR Filed
Varanasi: A case of love jihad has come to light in the Sigra police station area and an FIR has been registered against five Islamists following a complaint filed by a Hindu woman, invoking serious charges including concealment of identity and religion for marriage, alleged coercion to convert religion, rape, assault and criminal intimidation. Investigation into the matter has begun and police say efforts are underway to arrest the accused.
According to police, a Hindu woman residing in the area, referred to by the fictitious name Rupam to protect her identity, has submitted a written complaint. She alleged that the accused man introduced himself using a Hindu name and concealed his actual identity while getting close to her, and that forged documents were prepared for their marriage. Afterwards, as part of what she described as a planned conspiracy, she was allegedly subjected to sustained pressure to convert to Islam.
She further alleged that two of the accused, husband Shahrukh and Maqbool, raped her and her husband along with his family subjected her to mental and physical harassment, assault and death threats. Police said she gathered the courage to approach them after enduring prolonged harassment.
Based on her complaint, an FIR Case Crime No. 0350/2026 has been registered at Sigra police station against Sunny Singh alias Salman Khan, Shahrukh, Maqbool, Kaiser Khan and Sayna Khan under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 3/5 of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, which applies where conversion is allegedly attempted through force, allurement, fraud or concealed identity.
The investigation has been assigned to Inspector (Crime) Vivek Kumar Shukla. Police said all allegations will be thoroughly examined and action taken based on evidence, with teams formed to trace and arrest the accused at the earliest.
Officials clarified that no leniency will be shown and due legal process will be followed. All the accused are currently said to be absconding and police are conducting raids at their probable locations. The case has once again brought into focus concerns around marriages contracted by concealing identity and alleged pressure to convert religion issues over which Uttar Pradesh has enacted stringent legal provisions in recent years.
Police have appealed to the public to report information on similar cases at the nearest police station and said the complainant is being extended full support and assistance during the investigation, in line with standard procedure. The probe is ongoing and being closely monitored at senior levels, with officials indicating that all accused are expected to be traced, arrested and produced before the court soon, after which the matter will proceed through due judicial process.
