Befriend, rape, blackmail: The modus operandi of ‘love jihad’ gangs in Bhopal

BHOPAL, MAY 30 : In recent months, a systematic sexual exploitation racket targeting Hindu women and girls has surfaced in Bhopal as well as in smaller towns of Madhya Pradesh. The modus operandi of the “love jihad gangs” involve befriending unsuspecting Hindu girls, sexually exploiting them and then blackmailing them with obscene videos, and eventually pressuring them to convert.

Over the past few months, several such cases have come to light, with police arresting over 12 suspects across various cities.

One such victim of the ‘love jihad’ gang was a 35-year-old divorced woman who lives with her son (14). In her FIR, the women alleged that a man named Nadeem befriended her and raped her multiple times on the pretext of marriage. The woman claimed that Nadeem later demanded that she convert to Islam and her son undergo circumcision as a condition for marriage.

Sharing her ordeal, the woman, who was divorced 12 years ago, told AajTak that she met Nadeem three years ago. She said that Nadeem initially supported her and visited her home frequently. Soon, they had physical relations. However, the woman later found that Nadeem was already married.

On May 13, 2025, Nadeem allegedly raped the women at her home and recorded videos of the act. The woman was also threatened to convert to Islam.

The woman claimed that Nadeem also pressured her to wear a burqa, stop observing Thursday fasts, and not leave the house without his permission. The woman objected to the demands. As Nadeem turned abusive, the woman approached the police, who registered a case against Nadeem under sections of the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act.

ORGANISED GANG BUSTED

An organised gang that targeted Hindu college students was busted after a young woman lodged a case against a man named Farhan. After Farhan’s arrest, police stumbled upon a dozen obscene videos in which he is seen raping and assaulting women.

So far, five victims have approached the police. Apart from Farhan, four others have been arrested – Sahil, Ali, Saad, and Nabeel.

Police have found that the gang was led by Farhan. It specifically targeted Hindu women belonging to small towns or villages studying in Bhopal.

The gang lured victims into relationships, raped them, and recorded videos to blackmail them. Farhan also pressured the victims to introduce other women to the gang.

Sahil, who ran a dance class in Ashok Garden, also targeted Hindu girls. Ali similarly exploited one such student and sent her videos to Farhan.

Saad, a mechanic, transported the victims to Farhan’s residence and dealt in marijuana. Nabeel and Abrar provided their rooms where the women were assaulted.

Hamid, another member of the gang, died by suicide last year. The gang usually took the victims to hookah lounges and pubs, where the women were drugged before being sexually exploited.

During interrogation, an unfazed Farhan showed no remorse, and bluntly said his actions earned him “sawab” (religious reward).

The development provoked a sharp response from Bhopal BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma. “Those who talk of sawab should know that only a graveyard awaits them. We will not let love jihad thrive in Madhya Pradesh,” said Sharma.

A woman sub-inspector posted in Mandideep in Raisen district also fell into the trap. A person named Ishtiyak Ahmed married her by posing as Aman. However, two years later, the inspector got to know his true identity while sifting through official documents and lodged a complaint.

In 2021, the then Shivraj Singh Chauhan-led BJP government implemented the Religious Freedom Act to address cases of ‘love jihad’. Those found guilty can be sentenced to 10 years in prison and fined Rs 1 lakh.

-PTI