Hindu Woman Alleges Coercion, Sexual Assault, and Forced Conversion by Islamist Couple [Belagavi, Karnataka]

(Reported as seen)

In a disturbing incident unfolding in Belagavi, Karnataka, a 28-year-old married woman has come forward with shocking allegations of coercion, sexual assault, and forced conversion at the hands of an Islamist couple. The victim, whose identity is protected, revealed her ordeal, accusing Rafik Befari, an Islamist man, of raping her in the presence of his wife and subsequently pressuring her into converting to Islam. The incident took place in Munavalli, Savadatti taluk, Belagavi district, where the victim and her husband run a provision shop.

According to the victim’s statement, Rafik, accompanied by his wife, approached her in her husband’s absence, initially appearing friendly but later resorting to coercion. Allegedly, Rafik coerced her into a physical relationship and then used explicit photographs to blackmail her into compliance. With the assistance of another individual named Adil, Rafik reportedly confined her to a Swadhar Kendra in Belagavi and later to a rented house, subjecting her to torture and pressure to renounce Hinduism and embrace Islam.

The victim was coerced into wearing a burkha, performing Namaz, and removing sindoor, traditional Hindu vermilion, from her forehead. She was threatened and blackmailed into abandoning Hinduism, succumbing to wearing a burkha due to manipulation and fear of repercussions.

In response to the woman’s allegations, authorities have taken action, lodging an FIR against seven individuals, including Rafik and his accomplices, under various sections of the law. Charges include rape, kidnapping, wrongful confinement, criminal intimidation, and coercion. Rafik and his wife have been apprehended by the police.

This incident sheds light on the insidious tactics employed by Islamist individuals to manipulate and coerce vulnerable individuals, particularly Hindu women, into conversion through blackmail and intimidation. Despite efforts by Hindu organizations to raise awareness, the lack of awareness among Hindu women and impartial justice under the current government has created a breeding ground for predators to evade accountability.

The alarming trend of such incidents, spreading to Karnataka, underscores the urgent need for awareness and decisive action against perpetrators of forced conversions and assaults on Hindu women. It highlights the vulnerability of Hindu women and the necessity for robust legal measures to protect their rights and ensure justice.