In a startling incident, Aftab Ansari, an accused in a case of forced religious conversion and sexual assault, managed to escape from Kotwali police station in Varanasi on Friday night after being taken into custody for questioning. The escape occurred while investigators were completing formalities, and a search operation has been launched to recapture him.
Details of the Incident
According to ACP Kotwali, speaking on Sunday, the case was registered based on a complaint filed by a woman against Aftab Ansari, his parents, and his brother. The FIR was lodged under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act. Police had summoned Aftab for questioning on Friday evening, but he fled the station before he could be formally arrested. His parents have been arrested, while police teams are actively searching for Aftab and his brother.
Complainant's Allegations
The woman stated that she came into contact with Aftab while both were working for catering service providers. Aftab introduced himself as Amit and, after gaining her trust, developed a relationship with her. She alleged that he established physical relations on the pretext of providing work opportunities and promising marriage. According to the complaint, Aftab married her in March 2025 according to Hindu rituals at a temple. However, she later discovered his real identity. When she objected, he allegedly began assaulting her and pressuring her to convert to Islam.
The woman further alleged that Aftab’s family members threatened to kill her and her parents. She also claimed that she was held captive for about a month at a house in Harhua, where Aftab’s brother Mitthu allegedly raped her. She alleged that he also threatened to sell her in Mumbai. Chats related to the alleged buying and selling of other girls were reportedly found on Aftab’s mobile phone.
She said she managed to escape, informed her family, and lodged a complaint with the police. Authorities are now investigating the case and have deployed multiple teams to apprehend the absconding accused.
