Tension prevailed in Telangana’s Narayanpet town after the suicide of a teenage girl led to protests and a bandh called by the BJP and another right-wing organisation.
The groups alleged that the girl had been cheated and pressured to change her religion by an 18-year-old youth from another community.
Police identified the accused as Fasiuddin, who has been arrested and sent to judicial remand.
Officials said a case has been registered against him for abetment to suicide and under several sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
BJP and VHP Hold Protest, Call for Bandh
On Monday, BJP and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) leaders and activists gathered outside the Narayanpet Regional Transport Depot and attempted to block buses as part of their protest.
Police intervened and detained several protesters to prevent escalation.
The bandh affected daily life in the town, with many shops and commercial establishments remaining shut. Police increased patrols in sensitive areas to maintain law and order.
Right-Wing Groups Allege ‘Love Jihad’
BJP and right-wing leaders claimed the case reflected a pattern of what they described as “love jihad,” alleging that Hindu girls were being targeted.
Senior BJP leader Nagurao Namaji claimed the accused had promised to marry the teenager in order to gain her and her family’s trust.
“In Narayanpet, Hindu girls are being trapped and misled. The accused allegedly promised to support the girl and marry her, but later pressured her to convert and marry according to Muslim customs,” Namaji alleged.
He also claimed the teenager had been blackmailed before her death.
“A thorough investigation must be conducted, and strict action taken against anyone found involved. We want justice for the girl and assurance that such incidents do not happen again,” he said.
Police Yet to Confirm Claims
Police officials, however, said the situation in Narayanpet remained under control and appealed to the public not to spread rumours.
Authorities have not confirmed allegations related to forced religious conversion or claims of “love jihad” made by the protesters.
