Rajasthan Beawar Sexual Exploitation Case: Tenth Accused Arrested in Karnataka, Protests Escalate

Jaipur, February 28 – In a significant development in the Beawar sexual exploitation case, Rajasthan police arrested another accused, Sanwar Lal, from Karnataka on Thursday night. This brings the total number of arrests in the case to ten, with three minor boys also detained. The case, which has triggered widespread protests, involves allegations of sexual exploitation and forced religious conversion of minor girls.

Case Details and Investigation

The case came to light when a father discovered ₹2,000 missing from his wallet. Upon questioning, his minor daughter confessed to taking the money for one of the accused. Further investigation revealed her involvement with a Muslim youth, with phone records and videos exposing a pattern of alleged blackmail and coercion. Three FIRs were registered on February 16 at Bijainagar police station against ten men based on complaints from the victims' families.

The accused allegedly lured minor girls on their way home from school and took them to a cabin café operated by Sanwar Lal in Bijainagar, where they were reportedly exploited. The café reportedly charged ₹200 per hour for private use. While the police continue their investigation, forensic reports of mobile data and medical examinations of the victims are still pending.

Protests and Public Reactions

The incident has sparked outrage across Rajasthan, with several Hindu organizations demanding stringent action, including the death penalty for the accused. Protests have erupted in multiple areas, including Kishangarh, which observed a complete shutdown on Friday. Ajmer is also expected to witness a market shutdown on Saturday following a call for protest by Hindu organizations.

Meanwhile, the Muslim Ekta Manch submitted a memorandum to the Ajmer district collector, urging strict legal action against the guilty while ensuring the case is not politicized.

Encroachment Notices and Community Tensions

Following the arrests, the families of the accused and the local Jama Masjid received encroachment notices from the Bijainagar Municipality. Some structures have already been removed due to detected irregularities. The local Muslim community has sought legal intervention, referencing Supreme Court guidelines on demolitions. A delegation recently met with the Beawar district collector, who has since instructed the municipality to halt demolitions pending further review.

Governor’s Remarks and Rising Tensions

Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde weighed in on the controversy, suggesting that the victims were targeted due to their association with a Hindu organization. He urged girls to stand up against wrongdoers, stating, "Reply to a brick with a stone. Those who got scared are in a different religion now. Those who didn’t are Hindus today." His remarks have further fueled tensions in the region.

Ongoing Investigation

While police have ruled out the involvement of a larger organized gang, they continue to investigate all angles to determine the full scope of the crime. The case has heightened communal tensions in Beawar, with both Hindu and Muslim communities expressing concerns about their safety.

Authorities remain vigilant as legal proceedings move forward, with law enforcement urging the public to maintain peace and allow the judicial process to take its course.
 
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