Jaipur, February 27 – In a shocking case that has gripped Rajasthan, former ward councillor Hakim Qureshi and three others were produced before a court in Ajmer on Thursday in connection with an alleged case of sexual exploitation and forced religious conversion of minor girls. While Qureshi has been remanded to five-day police custody, the other three have been sent to jail, a senior police official confirmed.
The case has sparked significant unrest in Beawar, a region formerly part of Ajmer, where nine individuals have been arrested and three minors detained in relation to the crime, which has left the state in turmoil.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Ajmer IGP Om Prakash stated, "Nine people have been arrested, and three minors detained. Today, four accused were presented in court—three were sent to jail while the former councillor was taken into police custody." He assured that authorities are determined to bring all culprits, their accomplices, and anyone who aided or shielded them to justice.
How the Case Unfolded
The incident came to light around ten days ago after a minor’s father reported ₹2,000 missing from his wallet. When the child was confronted, she admitted to stealing the money and handing it over to one of the accused. Later, her mother found a mobile phone in her school bag, which revealed that she had been communicating with a Muslim youth.
Further investigation revealed that her sister, also a minor, was in touch with another youth. The accused had allegedly recorded videos of their interactions and used them for blackmail to continue their relationships.
Three FIRs were filed last week at the Bijainagar police station based on complaints from the victims' families. The medical examination reports of the girls and forensic analysis of the seized mobile phones are still awaited.
Community Tensions and Political Reactions
The arrests have led to heightened communal tensions in Bijainagar and nearby areas, resulting in market shutdowns and public demonstrations. Both Hindu and Muslim communities are reportedly living in fear as authorities continue their probe.
Governor Haribhau Bagde also weighed in on the matter, stating that the victims were targeted due to their association with a Hindu organization. He urged the girls to stand up against those who sought to harm them, saying, "Those who look at you with evil eyes, look them straight in the eye too. Reply to a brick with a stone."
Encroachment Notices to Accused Families and Jama Masjid
Amidst the ongoing investigation, the Bijainagar Municipality issued encroachment notices to the families of the accused, the Jama Masjid, and a local graveyard, asking them to provide proof of land ownership. Following these notices, some illegal encroachments were removed.
This move has prompted the local Muslim community to seek legal intervention. A delegation of Muslim leaders submitted a memorandum to the Beawar district collector, citing Supreme Court guidelines on demolitions. In response, the collector instructed the municipality to pause any demolition until further review.
Families of Accused and Victims React
The families of the accused have expressed fear and claimed they are being unfairly targeted. Sadiq Qureshi, brother of Hakim Qureshi, alleged that his sibling was being framed due to political motives to prevent him from contesting upcoming municipal elections.
Meanwhile, the families of the victims lamented the social stigma caused by the case. One victim’s uncle stated, "Our reputation has been shattered, and we are struggling to face society." A victim’s mother demanded stringent punishment for the perpetrators, saying, "Justice must be served, or such criminals will continue to act with impunity."
Political Fallout and Historical Parallels
The Rajasthan Assembly witnessed heated debates, with the opposition Congress accusing the ruling BJP government of failing to prevent such crimes and demanding strict legal action.
The case has drawn comparisons to the infamous 1992 Ajmer scandal, where over 100 girls were victimized in a similar manner. The case, which involved 18 accused, led to life imprisonment for several perpetrators under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
As investigations continue, authorities remain under pressure to ensure justice is served while maintaining communal harmony in the region.
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