32-Year-Old B'luru Techie From Srinagar Arrested For Forcing Live-In Partner To Convert, Unnatural Sexual Acts

Karnataka police on Friday arrested a 32-year-old man named Mogil Ashraf Baig from Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on charges of attempting to convert a woman from another faith and engaging in "unnatural sexual acts" under the pretext of marriage.

Baig had previously been employed at an IT firm in the area. He had a history with the victim dating back to 2018 and had been in a live-in relationship with her. The woman also worked in the technology sector in the same region.

Initially, the couple had planned to have a court marriage, but later, the man allegedly pressured the woman into converting to Islam. The woman also accused Baig of using the pretext of marriage to coerce her into engaging in "unnatural sexual acts." Additionally, she accused Baig's brother of making threats against her over the phone, as confirmed by a senior police officer.

The situation came to public attention on September 6 when the victim posted on the social media platform X, alleging that she had been raped and forcibly converted to another religion. Her post read, "@PoliceBangalore @DGPKarnataka @PMOIndia @CPBlr Sir, I am a victim of love jihad, rape, unnatural sex, and forceful religious conversion. Kindly provide me with police assistance in Bangalore immediately, as my life is in danger (sic)." Following her complaint, an FIR was registered at Bellandur police station on September 7. Subsequently, the case was transferred to the Hebbagodi police station, as the incident occurred within its jurisdiction.

On September 14, officials at the Hebbagodi police station filed an FIR against Baig under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 376 (rape), 377 (unnatural offences), 506 (criminal intimidation), 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention), 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property), and 417 (cheating). Additionally, a charge was filed under section 5 of the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022, according to the officer.

In pursuit of the investigation, a special team was dispatched to Jammu and Kashmir to locate and apprehend the suspect. The team successfully apprehended Baig in Srinagar on Wednesday, and he was brought to Bengaluru on Thursday, where he was produced before the court. Baig was granted two days of police custody for further interrogation. The case remains under investigation, with all allegations being thoroughly examined, as stated by Mallikarjun Baldandi, Superintendent of Police (Bengaluru Rural).