Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
A 30-year-old pregnant woman has accused four men, including three brothers and their uncle, of repeatedly raping her and pressuring her to convert to their religion in Gujarat, police said on Sunday.
The case came to light in Banaskantha district after the woman filed a complaint on August 20.
The accused have been identified as Akhtar Rajabshah Fakir, his brothers Arif and Iliyas, and their uncle Salimshah Jumashah Fakir. They have been booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to rape, criminal intimidation and assault, as well as the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act.
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“We have started further investigation. No one has been arrested yet,” Inspector SD Chaudhary said.
According to the FIR, the woman, who was five months pregnant, was repeatedly sexually and physically assaulted last month.
She alleged that Akhtar, an acquaintance of her estranged husband, approached her by claiming that his grandfather could offer “tantric” remedies for her health problems. He subsequently became close to her.
EARLIER CASE AND ALLEGED THREATS
The woman had previously filed a sexual assault case against Akhtar and his relatives at Palanpur East police station in April. Akhtar and two others were arrested in that case.
She alleged that Arif and Iliyas, who were absconding at the time, threatened to kill her and kidnap her daughters. The threats allegedly forced her to file an affidavit before the Gujarat High Court agreeing to a compromise.
After Akhtar and the others were released from jail on June 16, the woman moved with him to Pengiya village in Dhanera taluka. According to the FIR, she hoped that they could resolve their differences and live peacefully.
She alleged, however, that Akhtar continued to sexually assault and beat her despite her pregnancy. He also allegedly pressured her to speak to other men over the phone.
When she refused, Akhtar and his relatives allegedly blackmailed her with a private video recorded without her knowledge and threatened to circulate it on social media. She further accused the three brothers and their uncle of repeatedly raping her.
ALLEGATION OF FORCED CONVERSION
The woman has also accused the four men of attempting to force her to convert.
She alleged that they brought a local cleric to conduct a “nikah” ceremony and gave her a spiked drink. Her name was then allegedly changed to “Fiza”.
The accused also threatened to bring her daughters, who were living with their grandparents, and forcibly convert them, according to the FIR.
The woman alleged that the four men assaulted her and threw her out of the house on July 21, refusing to accept responsibility for her or her unborn child.
She sought help from a shopkeeper and later contacted the 181 women’s helpline. With her mother’s support, she subsequently moved to Lakhani.
Police are investigating the allegations. No arrests have been made so far.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
