Police in Nagpur have registered a case after a 24‑year‑old woman, wife of an Indian Air Force officer, alleged she was raped, blackmailed and forced to undergo a religious conversion. Two men have been arrested and one cleric is absconding, officials said on Tuesday.

The woman, who works as a property dealer and whose husband is posted out of city, told police the main accused, identified as Ayaz Taj Madare — a schoolmate who contacted her in February 2025 saying he wanted to buy land — first lured her to a hotel on Wardha Road. She alleges she was given juice laced with an intoxicant, raped while unconscious, and filmed. The complainant says the recordings were later used to extort about ₹4 lakh and to coerce her into repeated sexual exploitation.

A video that circulated online is central to the probe. In the clip the woman is seen resisting and pleading, “Please leave me,” while an accused holds her hands and reportedly recites verses and blows on her face. Investigators said the footage appears to show an attempt to perform a religious ritual; the woman alleges she was pressured to say “Qubool Hai,” after which the accused purported to have conducted a nikah and pronounced a conversion.

Sonegaon police confirmed an FIR has been filed that lists charges including rape, repeated sexual exploitation, extortion, blackmail, forced religious conversion and offences under Maharashtra’s law against superstition and black magic. Electronic devices seized from the accused are being forensically examined, a police official said. Two suspects linked to the case are in custody; a cleric from Chhindwara named in the complaint is reported to be absconding.

The victim informed her husband about the ordeal on June 12 after he returned from duty, police said. Following the complaint, investigators began questioning witnesses and are tracing the sequence of events, including locations mentioned by the woman, alleged payments and communications between the accused and the victim.

Police reiterated that forensic analysis of the seized gadgets and medical reports will guide next steps. “We are following leads and will take legal action based on evidence. The investigation is ongoing,” a senior Nagpur police officer said, declining further details because the matter involves sexual assault and an active probe.

Legal and social‑service officials said cases that mix sexual violence, blackmail and alleged forced religious conversion are complex and require coordinated handling — evidence collection, victim support, counselling and, where needed, protection. Activists urged prompt, sensitive investigation and protection for the survivor and her family.

The viral video has also sparked public outrage on social platforms, with demands for swift arrest and strict action. Officials cautioned against sharing unverified material and asked the public to allow police to complete the probe.

Further details, including the identities and remand status of the arrested men, will be released after formal procedures. Those with information related to the case have been asked to contact Sonegaon police.

FIR Against 7 in Jhabua Over Alleged Forced Conversion: What We Know So Far

An FIR against 7 in Jhabua over alleged forced conversion has sparked tension in Madhya Pradesh’s tribal belt, bringing issues of religious freedom, tribal rights, and law and order back into focus.

The case involves two Christian pastors and five other named individuals accused of pressuring a tribal youth to change his religion and assaulting him when he refused.

The incident has triggered protests by tribal organisations and Hindu groups, prompting swift police action late on Friday night.

Incident Reported From Madrani Village

According to police officials, the alleged incident occurred in Madrani village under the jurisdiction of Kakanwani police station in Jhabua district. The complainant, identified as Gendal Damor, is a tribal youth from the same village.

In his statement, Gendal said that while returning home on Friday, he was stopped by two Christian pastors along with some local residents. He alleged that they tried to force him to convert to Christianity, using intimidation and pressure.

Allegations of Threats and Assault

The FIR states that when the youth refused to convert, the accused allegedly threatened to kill him. Gendal also claimed that he was physically assaulted during the confrontation and that stones were pelted at him, causing injuries.

Later, stones were reportedly thrown towards the accused’s house as well, escalating tensions in the village and prompting increased police presence in the area.

Sarva Adivasi Samaj Leads Protest

Following the incident, members of the Sarva Adivasi Samaj gathered in large numbers and staged late-night protests. Protesters reached both the Kakanwani Police Station and the Madrani police outpost, raising slogans and demanding strict and immediate action.

Key demands raised by the tribal body included:

Arrest of all accused named in the FIR

Strong action against alleged forced conversion attempts

Protection of tribal culture, traditions, and religious freedom

Several Hindu organisations also joined the protest, amplifying pressure on the administration.

Memorandum Submitted to Administration

Community representatives submitted a memorandum to district officials, alleging that forced conversion attempts using greed, pressure, and threats are increasing in tribal areas. They warned that such incidents could disturb social harmony and weaken tribal identity if not dealt with firmly.

An expert on tribal affairs, speaking on condition of anonymity, said such cases often highlight “deep-rooted mistrust and the need for transparent investigations to ensure justice without communal bias.”

Police Response and Investigation Underway

After sustained protests, police registered the FIR late Friday night. Officials confirmed that the FIR against 7 in Jhabua over alleged forced conversion includes serious charges and that the investigation is ongoing.

Police sources said statements are being recorded and all aspects of the incident will be examined to establish the facts.

Why This Case Matters Now

The Jhabua forced conversion case comes at a time when debates around religious conversion laws and tribal protection are intensifying across Madhya Pradesh. The incident underscores the need for balanced enforcement of the law, safeguarding individual choice while preventing coercion.

Authorities have appealed for calm, assuring that action will be taken strictly as per the law once the investigation is complete.