Gurgaon Court Rejects Bail Application in Serious Allegations Case
A local court in Gurgaon has firmly dismissed the bail application of an individual accused in a complex case involving allegations of forced religious conversion, physical assault, and fraudulent activities. This decision highlights the judicial system's stance on handling serious criminal charges with appropriate gravity.
Judicial Magistrate's Order and Reasoning
The order was issued by Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Shivani Rana, who determined that the allegations presented were exceptionally grave. The magistrate noted that the investigation remains at a preliminary stage, making the granting of bail inappropriate at this juncture. The court emphasized that the nature of the accusations requires thorough examination without interference.
Background of the Case and Initial Complaint
The case originated from a complaint filed by a 22-year-old woman in January of this year at the Sector 14 police station in Gurgaon. She alleged that she was deceived into marriage by a man who utilized a false identity. Following this deception, she reported being subjected to assault and coercion, including attempts to forcefully convert her to his religion.
The accused, identified as 35-year-old Aarif, who also used the alias "Aarav," was arrested by Gurgaon police on January 28, shortly after the woman lodged her detailed complaint. Another individual, Tarif (34), was also arrested on the same day in connection with the case.
Legal Arguments and Court Observations
During the proceedings, counsel for the woman, Manish Shandilya, argued before the court that the severity of the offenses and the potential risk of evidence tampering justified the continued judicial custody of the accused. Shandilya presented evidence that police had discovered identity cards belonging to the accused under different names and associated with various faiths.
In her bail order dated February 3, JMFC Shivani Rana observed that the First Information Report (FIR) and accompanying documents revealed "serious acts of deception, physical harm and conspiracy." The court stated that such allegations cannot be treated lightly, especially during the initial phases of the investigation.
Detailed Allegations and Sequence of Events
According to the woman's written statement and preliminary investigation reports, the sequence of events began in 2022 when a man named Tarif approached her at her workplace. He later introduced her to Aarif, who was presented under a fabricated identity. Aarif is accused of posing as a Hindu contractor named "Aarav," gaining the woman's trust, entering into a romantic relationship, and solemnizing a marriage in a temple.
The complainant further stated that she discovered she was pregnant, after which Aarif allegedly attempted to convince her to terminate the pregnancy. Upon her refusal, she reported being assaulted. Following childbirth in early 2025, she learned that Aarif was already married and had three children. The woman also alleged ongoing threats, violence, and pressure from Aarif's family members to convert to another religion.
The court's decision to deny bail underscores the legal system's commitment to ensuring a fair and uninterrupted investigation into these serious allegations. The case continues to be under judicial scrutiny as authorities proceed with their inquiries.