In the recent incidents in Bhopal’s rural areas a disturbing trend of alleged "love jihad" cases, alongside other sexual violence incidents, raising concerns about safety and exploitation in Madhya Pradesh has been reported.
In a case reported at Gunga police station, a 17.5-year-old girl was allegedly deceived and raped by Sahil Khan, a resident of a nearby village.
According to police, the accused, who met the victim while working in her village, misrepresented himself as a Hindu to befriend her. Their frequent meetings resulted in Khan allegedly taking the minor out, raping her, and threatening her to stay silent.
He reportedly lured her with promises of marriage but later reneged. The victim, a minor who left her studies to do household work, was counseled before the case was filed. Khan has been arrested and charged under the POCSO Act and SC-ST Act, and sent to jail.
