Synopsis
The sexual exploitation and blackmail of six schoolgirls in Bijainagar, Rajasthan, has led to widespread protests, resulting in a complete shutdown of businesses. The public demands justice and strict action against the accused as investigations proceed.Key Takeaways
- Six schoolgirls victims of blackmail and sexual exploitation.
- Public outrage led to complete business shutdown in Bijainagar.
- Authorities assure witness protection and prompt legal action.
- Accused allegedly formed a gang under 'love jihad' pretense.
- Police have arrested nine suspects; investigations ongoing.
Jaipur, Feb 21 (NationPress) The incident involving six schoolgirls being blackmailed and sexually exploited in Bijainagar, located in Rajasthan's Beawar district, has ignited significant public indignation. Citizens took to the streets, resulting in a total shutdown of local businesses on Friday.
On Thursday night, representatives from various communities convened and established a 21-member Sarva Samaj Sangharsh Samiti. This committee organized a Bijainagar bandh on Friday, with all shops remaining closed from the morning. Protesters gathered at the Char Batti crossing and subsequently marched through the market, demanding severe punishment for the perpetrators. A memorandum is set to be submitted to the administration, urging immediate legal action.
As of now, the police have apprehended nine of the thirteen named suspects, including a minor.
On Thursday, individuals including Karim Qureshi, Aashiq Mansuri, and Shravan Chaudhary, the operator of Chill Out Cafe, were taken into custody. The remand period for five previously arrested suspects—Rihan Mohammad, Sohail Mansuri, Lukman alias Soheb, Arman Pathan, and Sahil Qureshi—will conclude on Friday, and they will be presented before the Ajmer POCSO court.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (Ajmer Range) Omprakash has designated this case under the Case Officer Scheme and appointed a female police inspector to supervise the investigation.
Authorities have pledged to protect witnesses, and a charge sheet will be submitted within seven days to guarantee a prompt trial.
Officials revealed that young men from a specific community formed a gang under the guise of 'love jihad', making six schoolgirls victims of their conspiracy. Initially, they enticed the girls into romantic relationships and presented them with Chinese mobile phones. Subsequently, they coerced them into sexual relations and subjected them to mental torture through blackmail. They also issued threats to kill their family members if the girls did not engage in religious activities.
Reports indicate that the accused also pressured the victims to participate in forced religious practices against their will.
Based on complaints from the families of the victims, police have filed cases under various charges, including sexual harassment, stalking, forced prostitution, spreading religious misinformation, and the POCSO Act.
The named suspects include Soheb from Gulabpura, Soyal Mansuri from Bijainagar, Ayan, Arfan, Sahil, Aashiq Qureshi, Ryan, Javed, Amaan, Karim, Faizan, along with 10 to 15 other individuals.
As protests persist, public calls for justice and strict penalties for the accused are intensifying. Authorities are vigilantly monitoring the unfolding situation.
