Authorities in Rajasthan’s Beawar district have arrested seven Muslim men and detained three minors over allegations of sexual assault and blackmail involving five Hindu minor girls. The arrests followed three FIRs filed on February 16 in Vijay Nagar town.
The case has sparked protests from Hindutva groups, who are demanding “bulldozer action” against the accused calling the incident a “love jihad” case. Right-wing groups often use this term to claim, without evidence, that Muslim men lure Hindu women into relationships as part of a larger conspiracy.
Families and Mosque Receive Notices
Three days after the arrests, the Vijay Nagar municipality sent notices to the families of the accused, asking them to provide ownership documents for their homes. The notices, issued on February 20 and 21, warned that if documents were not submitted, authorities would demolish “illegal constructions” and recover the costs from the families.
The administration also issued a notice to Jama Masjid in Rajnagar, demanding proof of ownership to be submitted within three days. The notice read that failure to comply would lead to action under the Rajasthan Municipalities Act, 2009.
Muslim community leaders have condemned this action, calling it punitive and authoritarian. Leaders argue that any demolition would violate Supreme Court guidelines on such actions.
Meanwhile, locals are fearing action against a 100-year-old mosque, a graveyard and the houses of the accused, as per media reports.
According to police, the accused allegedly met the victims through social media, exchanged phone numbers, and later blackmailed and assaulted some of the girls.
“We have arrested seven individuals, while thr0.ee minors have been detained. The accused are aged between 19 and 21 years,” said Deputy Superintendent of Police Sajjan Singh.
He added that the FIRs were filed under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Station House Officer (SHO) Karan Singh confirmed that police registered the FIRs on February 16 and made arrests the following day. All the accused belong to the Muslim community.
The case continues to draw controversy as Hindutva groups push for harsh action, while rights activists warn against targeted demolitions.
