‘Love Jihad’ Case: Bhopal Police Investigation Lacking, NHRC Asks For New Team, Fresh Probe

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Expressing dissatisfaction with the Bhopal police investigation in the alleged ‘Love Jihad’ case, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked the state government to form a new team and investigate the case all over again, said officials here on Friday. The commission has also asked the state government to provide Rs 5 lakh each to the victims of ‘Love Jihad’ case and Rs 6 lakh to the minor victim.

In April this year, the Ashoka Garden police had registered a case against five men accused of raping, blackmailing college girls and later forcing them for conversion and marriage.

An NHRC bench headed by member Priyank Kanoongo took cognizance, and an investigation team was formed. Upon reviewing the report submitted by the investigating team, the NHRC has raised concerns about the thoroughness of the investigation. Some more women allegedly approached the Commission and admitted they were exploited. It also came to the fore that three of the five victims even dropped out of college due to the harassment. 

The NHRC also pointed out that the Bhopal police have also failed to gauge the extent of the crime, and that it spread over various states. The police also failed to find a connection between the accused Farhan and Shariq Machli.

Machli appears to be involved with the prime accused in the crime as he has a close connection with the college students and Club-90.

The Commission has asked the DGP to form a team headed by an officer not below the rank of SSP and to submit the report within four weeks.

It has also asked the Chief Secretary to ensure that students who dropped out for fear of extortion resume college. Additionally, it has directed that the victims be paid ₹5 lakh each, while the minor girl gets ₹6 lakh.