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.