Nagpur Woman Alleges Rape, Forced Conversion; Two Arrested
A 24-year-old married woman in Nagpur has accused three men of rape, blackmail, and forced religious conversion. Two individuals, Ayyaj Taj Madare and Ameen Sheikh, have been arrested, while a third, cleric Hazrat Maulana, has surrendered. Police are investigating the allegations, which include drugging, extortion, and forced participation in conversion rituals.
Key Highlights
- Woman alleges rape, blackmail, and forced religious conversion.
- Two accused arrested; third surrendered to police.
- Viral video allegedly shows forced conversion ritual.
- Maharashtra's anti-black magic law invoked.
- Extortion of several lakh rupees alleged.
A disturbing case has emerged from Nagpur, Maharashtra, where a 24-year-old married woman has lodged a complaint alleging a harrowing ordeal involving rape, blackmail, extortion, and forced religious conversion at the hands of three men, including a cleric. The incident, which reportedly occurred over a period of 16 months, came to light after a viral video surfaced, purportedly showing one of the accused holding the woman while chanting religious verses, with the woman pleading to be released.
According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed on June 12, 2026, the woman, whose husband is serving in the Indian Air Force and is posted outside Nagpur, reconnected with a former school acquaintance, Ayyaj Taj Madare, under the pretext of a property deal. In February 2025, she alleges that Madare met her at a hotel and spiked her drink with a sedative. Upon regaining consciousness, she discovered that compromising photographs and videos had been recorded without her consent. These recordings were allegedly used to blackmail her, threatening to release them to her husband and publicly if she did not comply with their demands. Over several months, the woman claims she was extorted of approximately ₹3 lakh to ₹4 lakh.
The allegations further detail that in May 2025, Madare and another accused, Ameen Sheikh, took her to Kalmeshwar, where a third individual, identified as Hazrat Maulana, a cleric from Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, allegedly performed rituals. The woman claims she was forced to participate in a religious conversion ceremony against her will, made to say 'Qabul hai qabul hai' (I accept), and subsequently declared converted to Islam and married to Madare. She also alleged being forced to consume meat and that another attempt was made to rape her. The accused allegedly continued to visit her residence and sexually assault her on multiple occasions.
Following her complaint, the Nagpur Police registered an FIR and arrested Ayyaj Taj Madare and Ameen Sheikh. A search was launched for Hazrat Maulana, who later surrendered to the police on June 18, 2026. The case has been registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including those related to rape and extortion. Crucially, provisions of the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013, have also been invoked, reflecting the alleged involvement of occult practices and forced conversion rituals.
Police are treating the viral video as key evidence and are conducting forensic analysis of seized electronic devices, verifying financial transactions, and recording witness statements. Deputy Commissioner of Police Rushikesh Singareddy noted the possibility of more survivors coming forward as the incident is a year old. The coordinated reporting by multiple reputable news outlets, including The Hindu, The Indian Express, ANI News, and The Times of India, corroborates the core facts of the allegations, the arrests made, and the ongoing investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main allegations made by the Nagpur woman?
The woman alleges she was drugged, raped, blackmailed with compromising videos, extorted of money, and forced into religious conversion and marriage.
Who has been arrested in connection with the case?
Ayyaj Taj Madare and Ameen Sheikh have been arrested. A cleric, Hazrat Maulana, who was initially absconding, has also surrendered to the police.
What laws are being invoked in this case?
The case involves charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (for rape, extortion, etc.) and the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013.
Is there any video evidence related to the case?
Yes, a viral video has surfaced, purportedly showing one of the accused holding the woman while chanting religious verses, with the woman appearing distressed and pleading to be released. This video is considered key evidence by the police.
What is the background of the accused and the victim?
The primary accused, Ayyaj Taj Madare, was a former school acquaintance of the victim. The victim is married to an Indian Air Force personnel posted outside Nagpur. The accused allegedly reconnected with her under the guise of a property deal.