Indore: In a significant case of ‘Love Jihad’, police arrested one person allegedly for raping and forcing his girlfriend to change religion at Indore in Madhya Pradesh on Monday evening. The incident came to notice after the girl- watching the ‘The Kerala Story’ – a recently released film on religious conversion, mustered the courage and lodged a complaint against her boyfriend.
The incident came to light on May 19, in Indore's Khajrana police station area when a Hindu girl took a stand against what she believed to be a case of love jihad and religious conversion. While watching the movie 'The Kerala Story,' the young girl felt a chilling similarity between the film's narrative and her own experiences. Troubled by her realization, she immediately left the movie theatre and proceeded to file a complaint at the Khajrana police station against her boyfriend, Mohammad Faizan.
According to the victim, Faizan had initially befriended her using a Hindu name, gradually developing a romantic relationship with her under the pretext of marriage. The girl also confessed that Faizan had a physical relationship with her promising marriage. However, things took a turn for the worse when he started pressuring her to convert to Islam. Acting upon the victim's complaint, the police have arrested Faizan, and are currently undergoing interrogation.
Also read: No place for The Kerala Story in West Bengal theatres despite green signal from SC
The victim, in her complaint, shared the distressing details of her ordeal. She revealed, "I had become friends with Faizan Khan four years ago, and our friendship gradually blossomed into love. He then coerced me into leaving my parents' house and staying with him in a separate residence. Faizan promised me that we would soon be married." The victim endured several quarrels and conflicts regarding this matter but remained hopeful as Faizan repeatedly assured her that their marriage was imminent.
However, at 4 a.m. on May 18, Faizan abruptly woke up and demanded that she convert to Islam. When the victim refused, Faizan physically assaulted her and threatened to kill her if she did not comply. Shockingly, he extended his threats to include her brother and mother as well.
Feeling trapped and alarmed by the situation, the victim reluctantly agreed to accompany Faizan to watch 'The Kerala Story,' hoping that it would pacify him. However, after the movie, a heated argument ensued, culminating in Faizan assaulting her once again upon returning home. The movie served as an eye-opener for the victim, prompting her to seek immediate refuge with the police.
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In response to the victim's complaint, the police swiftly took action by registering a case against Faizan and subsequently arresting him. Dinesh Verma, the in-charge of Khajrana police station, stated, "Based on the victim's complaint, a case has been registered against accused Faizan Khan under various sections, including conversion. The accused is currently being interrogated as part of our ongoing investigation."
Reacting to the situation, Madhya Pradesh's Home Minister, Narottam Mishra, targeted West Bengal's Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee for not allowing the film to be screened in West Bengal. “Mamata didi should understand the benefits of the film. This movie provided the girl a better understanding and she gathered the courage to go to the police. You are not allowing the film to be screened in West Bengal even after the order of the Supreme Court,” Mishra said.
