A 27-year-old Hindu woman in Ulhasnagar has accused a Muslim man of concealing his identity and posing as a Hindu to develop a relationship and marry her, in an alleged case of 'love jihad'. The accused, Imran Sheikh (33), was arrested by the Central police station along with two of his brothers. Seven individuals have been named as accused in the complaint filed by the woman on Monday.
Details of the Complaint
According to the woman's complaint, Imran, who works at a garage, introduced himself as 'Vijay' in 2019. He allegedly befriended her, developed a relationship, and later took her to his native place in Bihar, where he revealed his real identity and married her according to Muslim rituals. After the marriage, the woman claimed she was pressured to adopt Muslim customs, including wearing a burqa and hijab, and was forced to stop worshipping Hindu deities. She also alleged that she was pressured to consume beef and that the accused made objectionable remarks against Hindu gods and goddesses.
The complainant stated that Imran's family members, including his two brothers, parents, and other relatives, also forced her to follow Muslim practices. The alleged harassment intensified after the birth of their child. The victim also accused Imran of marrying another woman, and when questioned, he allegedly told her that he was permitted to marry multiple times. The family eventually returned to Ulhasnagar, where the woman continued to face mental and physical harassment.
Legal Action
Based on her statement, the Central police registered a case against Imran, his brothers Salman Sheikh and Shahbaz Sheikh, their parents, and two others. Senior police inspector Shankar Awtade stated that the case has been registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 85 (cruelty by husband or relatives), Section 75(2) (sexual harassment), Section 299 (hurting religious sentiments), Section 318(4) (cheating), Section 351 (criminal intimidation), and Section 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace). The three arrested accused were produced before a court and remanded to police custody. Further investigation is underway.
Background on Anti-Conversion Law
In March 2026, the Maharashtra state assembly passed the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill, which aims to prevent religious conversion carried out through coercion, inducement, fraud, or deception. According to the Bill, persons involved in unlawful conversions on the pretext of marriage will be punished with imprisonment of seven years and a fine. Any marriage with the sole purpose of unlawful conversion shall be declared null and void by the court, and any child born out of such marriage shall be deemed to belong to the religion of the mother before such marriage. In April, Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma sent the Bill to President Droupadi Murmu for consideration and assent.
