In Karnataka, an FIR has been filed against seven individuals, including a couple, for allegedly coercing a 28-year-old married woman into converting to Islam under duress, exploiting explicit photos of her. According to the woman's complaint, she was subjected to rape by the man in the presence of his wife, who then proceeded to manipulate her into wearing a burkha and abstaining from wearing 'kumkum' on her forehead.
The accused, identified as Rafik, reportedly engaged in sexual activities with the woman and utilized intimate photos to blackmail her, insisting that she renounce Hinduism in favor of Islam. Subsequently, Rafik and his wife compelled the woman to reside with them in Belagavi, demanding her unconditional compliance with their directives. The woman further alleged that she was sexually assaulted by Rafik at their residence, while his wife stood witness to the ordeal.
In April of this year, the couple purportedly prohibited the woman from adorning 'kumkum' and enforced the wearing of a burkha, mandating her observance of the five daily prayers of namaz. Additionally, the woman claimed that derogatory remarks targeting her caste were made, with the accused asserting that she must embrace another religion due to her belonging to a backward caste.
Rafik purportedly coerced the woman into divorcing her husband, threatening to expose her intimate photos if she refused to comply with his demands. The woman further alleged that both Rafik and his wife issued death threats against her should she resist conversion.
Based on the woman's harrowing account, an FIR has been lodged in Saundatti against the seven individuals involved. They are facing charges under several legal provisions, including the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, pertinent sections of the IT law, the SC/ST Act, and various sections of the Indian Penal Code encompassing rape, abduction, wrongful confinement, and criminal intimidation.
