A disturbing case has been reported from Banaskantha district in Gujarat, where a 30-year-old pregnant woman has accused four men of repeatedly sexually assaulting and physically abusing her, blackmailing her with a private video and pressuring her to convert to Islam.
The complaint was filed at Dhanera police station on August 20, naming Akhtar Rajabshah Fakir, his brothers Arif Rajabshah Fakir and Iliyas Rajabshah Fakir, and their uncle Salimshah Jumashah Fakir. Police initially said that an investigation had begun and that no arrests had been made at that stage.
Woman Says She Was Approached on Pretext of Treatment
According to the FIR, the woman was around five months pregnant when the alleged incidents occurred.
She alleged that Akhtar, who knew her estranged husband, initially approached her by claiming that his grandfather could provide a traditional or “tantric” remedy for her health problems. She said that he subsequently became close to her.
The woman had previously filed a sexual-assault complaint against Akhtar and his relatives in April. Police said Akhtar and two others were arrested in connection with that earlier case. She later alleged that Arif and Iliyas, who were absconding, threatened to kill her and abduct her daughters.
Allegations of Repeated Assault and Blackmail
According to the latest FIR, after the accused were released from jail on June 16, the woman and Akhtar moved to Pengiya village in Dhanera taluka.
She alleged that the abuse continued despite her pregnancy. She further claimed that a private video had been secretly recorded and was later allegedly used to threaten her with circulation on social media.
The woman also accused Akhtar's brothers and uncle of repeatedly sexually assaulting her. These allegations are now part of the police investigation.
Alleged Pressure to Convert
The complaint also contains allegations of forced religious conversion.
The woman alleged that she was pressured to convert and that a local cleric was brought to conduct a nikah. She further claimed that she was given a spiked drink during the ceremony and that her name was changed to “Fiza.”
She also alleged that the accused threatened to forcibly convert her daughters, who were living with their grandparents.
Police have booked the accused under provisions relating to rape, assault and criminal intimidation under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, as well as the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act.
Woman Allegedly Thrown Out of House
The complainant alleged that on July 21, the four accused assaulted her and forced her out of the house. She claimed they refused to take responsibility for her or her unborn child.
She subsequently sought help from a shopkeeper and contacted the women's helpline before moving to Lakhani with support from her mother, according to the FIR.
Main Accused Arrested
There has since been a development in the case.
On August 24, police said that Akhtarshah Fakir, described as the main accused, had been arrested. Deputy Superintendent of Police C.L. Solanki said efforts were continuing to locate the other three accused—his two brothers and uncle.
The investigation is continuing, and authorities are expected to examine medical evidence, digital evidence, witness statements and other material relevant to the allegations.
Investigation Will Establish the Facts
The allegations in the FIR are extremely serious, but they remain allegations until established through investigation and judicial proceedings.
Police will now have to determine what happened during the period described in the complaint, establish the individual roles of the accused and examine the allegations concerning sexual assault, blackmail and forced conversion.
The case has also drawn public attention because the complainant was reportedly pregnant at the time of the alleged abuse. The investigation and subsequent court proceedings will determine responsibility for the alleged crimes.
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