In Karnataka, seven individuals, including a couple named Rafik and his wife, are facing allegations of coercing a 28-year-old married woman to convert to Islam. The couple allegedly manipulated the woman into participating in sexual activities and captured explicit photographs of her. These images were then utilized to blackmail her into abandoning her Hindu beliefs and embracing Islam.

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The woman, in her complaint, recounted being subjected to rape by Rafik in the presence of his wife, and being compelled to wear a burkha, forsaking her Hindu traditions. Belagavi SP Bhimashankar Guleda disclosed that the couple demanded she observe five daily prayers (namaz) and prohibited her from adorning ‘kumkum’ on her forehead. Furthermore, she was subjected to derogatory remarks based on her caste, adding pressure to convert. Rafik purportedly threatened to disclose the compromising photos unless she agreed to divorce her husband and convert, even threatening her life.

The distressing events transpired in Belagavi in 2023, when the woman was coerced into residing with the couple. An FIR was filed in Saundatti against the seven individuals, including Rafik and his wife, based on the woman’s allegations. They face charges under various legal statutes, encompassing rape, kidnapping, wrongful confinement, criminal intimidation, and violations of the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act and the SC/ST Act.

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Belagavi SP Bhimashankar Guleda revealed that the accused manipulated the woman into relocating to their residence and imposed strict compliance with their dictates. The victim disclosed an instance of being raped by Rafik the previous year, in the presence of his wife, while cohabiting. Subsequently, in April of the current year, the couple allegedly instructed her to eschew ‘kumkum’, don a burkha, and perform five daily prayers. The woman, in her statement, highlighted her backward caste status and the coercion to convert to another religion.