Surat police have arrested five individuals linked to the alleged rape of a 16-year-old Hindu girl in what they say is a case of ‘Love Jihad.’ The girl, who lives with her family in Ichhapore, was reportedly lured through social media.
The main accused, 23-year-old Mohammad Sajid, also known as Ahad Pathan, was taken into custody just hours after the victim’s parents filed a complaint. Police discovered that he had been using an altered Aadhaar card to disguise his religion.
Authorities revealed that Sajid changed his name to Abhishek Gupta on the card, allowing him to misrepresent himself as Hindu. This deception was necessary because the hotel where the assault occurred had policies against inter-faith couples. They also learned that the minor’s age on her Aadhaar was modified from 16 to 18 so she could enter the venue.
Four others were arrested later for their involvement: Sajid’s brother Mohammad Tabish, Jamiraja Shamshul Sheikh, Mohammad Khurshid alias Shushil Rasid Rayan, and Abhay Kumar Pradeep Sharma. Two of them allegedly assisted Sajid while he hid from law enforcement. A third person served as a messenger between him and the victim and drove them to the hotel.
The traumatic incident came to light after the girl’s family raised concerns following her disappearance. Reports indicate she had recently completed her Class 12 examinations before being exploited by Sajid.
During interrogations, police found evidence suggesting that Sajid provided her with a mobile phone for threatening purposes and obtained inappropriate photos under duress. Allegations include threats made by Sajid toward her brother when her family objected to their relationship.