Qasim, who has been taken into custody by Chola Mandir police, continues to deny any wrongdoing, claiming Khushboo died naturally and insisting he had planned to marry her. Investigators said Qasim recently took Khushboo to Ujjain to introduce her to his family, allegedly as part of marriage discussions. Before the visit, he had even informed her mother about their relationship.
Station in-charge Saraswati Chaudhary confirmed that Qasim was arrested on Wednesday under the Atrocities Act, assault charges, and the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act. However, these sections are bailable. “The accused is being interrogated, and efforts are underway to ensure legal action,” Chaudhary said.
Police sources revealed that the couple had been in a relationship for about two years and began living together 16 months ago. Qasim reportedly told investigators that Khushboo was pregnant with his child.
On the night of the incident, Qasim took Khushboo to a private hospital in Bhainsakhed after she allegedly fell unconscious. He fled soon after admitting her. Based on hospital reports, Khajuri police registered a case, which was later transferred to Chola Mandir police for further probe.
Khushboo, originally from Vidisha’s Mandibamora, had been living in Bhopal for three years, working as a freelance model for local brands. Her mother, Lakshmi Ahirwar, alleged that Qasim deceived her daughter and demanded the “strictest punishment.” Police are awaiting the mother’s formal statement to proceed with further investigation.
