Cleric wanted in IAF official’s wife forced conversion case arrested in Madhya Pradesh

Police have arrested a cleric, Maulana Hazrat, who was wanted in connection with the alleged forced conversion and abuse of a 24-year-old woman, the wife of an Indian Air Force official, officials said.

The accused cleric was arrested from Madhya Pradesh following an investigation into a case that has triggered widespread outrage after disturbing allegations of sexual assault, blackmail, and forced religious conversion surfaced.

According to police, the main accused, Ayyaz Madare, along with his associate Ameen Shaikh, is already in custody. The cleric is alleged to have played a key role in conducting religious rituals and facilitating the alleged conversion and “nikah” of the victim.

The case came to light after a video went viral showing a man restraining the woman and chanting religious verses, prompting public concern and a police probe.

As per the FIR, the victim alleged she was drugged, blackmailed using objectionable videos, and repeatedly sexually assaulted. She also claimed she was pressured into conversion and a forced marriage ceremony was conducted without her consent.

Police said further interrogation of the arrested cleric is underway, and they are also investigating whether more individuals were involved in the alleged crime and if similar incidents occurred elsewhere.