Protesting villagers in Mathura following the elopement and interfaith marriages in the village
Tension was reported in Mukharai village in Mathura’s Govardhan area after allegations surfaced that Mustaq Khan took a young Hindu woman from neighbouring Basonti village on September 18.
The woman’s family and local residents have alleged that Khan developed a relationship with her and took her away, followed by allegations of an attempt to convert her and marry her.
It has also been reported that Mustaq’s elder brother, Salman Khan, who is already married, has been living with another Hindu woman for nearly a year. Reports further allege that Salman has been living separately from his Muslim wife.
Police have registered a case against Mustaq Khan and are conducting searches to trace him and establish the circumstances in which the woman left her village. Circle Officer Govardhan Anil Kumar Singh said police teams were conducting raids at possible locations to locate the accused.
According to reports, the Hindu woman left Basonti on September 18 and was allegedly taken away by Khan. Her family subsequently approached the police, following which a case was registered.
Police have been searching for Khan and examining the circumstances surrounding the woman’s disappearance.
Circle Officer Anil Kumar Singh said police teams were conducting raids at possible locations linked to Khan and his relatives. Police have also appealed for calm as tensions increased in the area.
On September 24, villagers travelled to Mukharai, Khan’s village, demanding his arrest and seeking information about the woman’s whereabouts.
The gathering led to tension in the area, following which police teams were deployed.
The increased police presence was aimed at preventing the situation from escalating and ensuring that the dispute did not lead to a confrontation between groups. Local reports said additional police and PAC personnel were deployed after the protests.
Amid the tension, a village panchayat was held in Mukharai on September 24.
A large number of villagers attended the meeting, where the alleged incident involving the young woman was discussed.
According to reports, the panchayat decided to call for a social boycott of Muslim families living in the village. The reports further claimed that people who continued social contact with or provided assistance to these families could also face a boycott.
Police deployment has continued in Mukharai amid concerns over a possible escalation.
Officials are monitoring the situation and have appealed to residents to maintain peace.
Reports from local media said several police teams were sent to the area after villagers gathered and protested. Police have said the investigation will proceed on the basis of the complaint, available evidence and statements recorded during the probe.
The latest case has triggered protests and calls for a social boycott in the village because villagers say it is not the first such controversy involving the family.
As per reports, Mustaq’s elder brother Salman Khan has also been accused of living separately from his wife and staying with another woman for nearly a year.
Both cases have become a topic of discussion in the village. According to the reports, villagers decided on the social boycott in an attempt to prevent similar incidents in the future.
