Couple Arrested in Karnataka for Allegedly Coercing Married Woman to Convert to Islam

In Belagavi, Karnataka, a couple has been arrested following allegations that they forced a 28-year-old married woman to convert to Islam under threat of circulating her private photographs. The woman also accused the man, identified as Rafik, of raping her in front of his wife on multiple occasions.

According to the victim’s complaint, she was coerced into wearing a burqa instead of traditional Hindu attire and was compelled to perform namaaz five times a day. Rafik allegedly threatened to disseminate her intimate pictures to her family and others unless she divorced her husband, converted to Islam, and lived with them.

The woman, who got married in 2013 and has two children, met Rafik in 2020 at her husband’s grocery store. Their relationship turned physical, leading to marital discord, and she temporarily left her husband’s house. Despite returning on the condition of ending her association with Rafik, she continued contact with him, prompting further threats.

Subsequently, the woman began residing with Rafik and his wife since 2021, where she alleges she was repeatedly raped by Rafik in front of his spouse. A case has been registered against seven individuals, including Rafik and his wife, under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, the IT Act, and other laws.

Belagavi Superintendent of Police Bhimashankar Guleda confirmed the registration of the case and the arrest of Rafik and his wife in connection with the incident.