Karnataka police have arrested a 32-year-old man named Mozif Baig from Srinagar, Jammu Kashmir. He is accused of attempting to convert a woman from a different faith and engaging in “unnatural sexual acts” under the pretext of marriage, reported Press Trust of India
According to the police, Baig, who used to work at an IT firm in Karnataka, had known the woman since 2018, and they were in a live-in relationship. Both the woman and Baig worked in tech firms in the area.
Initially, the couple had planned for a court marriage, but later, Baig allegedly pressured the woman to convert to Islam. The woman has also accused Baig of using the promise of marriage to coerce her into having sexual intercourse, including “unnatural sexual acts.” She also claimed that Baig’s brother threatened her over the phone.
The incident came to light on September 6 when the victim posted on the social media platform X, alleging that she had been raped and forced into religious conversion. In her post, she appealed for immediate police assistance in Bangalore, citing concerns for her safety.
Following her complaint, an FIR was filed at Bellandur police station on September 7. However, the case was later transferred to Hebbagodi police station as it fell under their jurisdiction.
On September 14, officials at Hebbagodi police station registered an FIR under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including rape, unnatural offenses, criminal intimidation, cheating, and dishonestly inducing delivery of property. Additionally, charges were filed under section 5 of the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022.
As part of the ongoing investigation, a special team was dispatched to Jammu Kashmir to locate and apprehend the suspect, Mozif Baig.
He was successfully apprehended in Srinagar, brought back to Bengaluru on Thursday, and presented before the court. Baig is currently in police custody for further questioning, and all allegations are under thorough investigation, as stated by Mallikarjun Baldandi, Superintendent of Police (Bengaluru Rural).