BADHOHI, UP: A family in Uttar Pradesh has accused the police of “persuading” them to marry their 19-year-old daughter to a married man who had allegedly raped her multiple times, citing her pregnancy as justification, PTI reported.
The accused, 35-year-old Sajid Ali from the Kotwali area, was arrested on Sunday after the family filed a complaint. A case has been registered under Section 376 (rape) of the Bharatiya Nyay Samhita (BNS), and the victim’s statement has been recorded. A medical examination was also conducted.
Details of the Case
According to the family’s complaint, the accused befriended the young woman, who lived in the same locality, and began visiting her home. In March last year, he allegedly raped her when she was alone at home and filmed the assault.
When the victim confronted him and threatened to report the crime, the accused allegedly used the video to blackmail her, continuing to assault her over time. As a result of the repeated abuse, she became pregnant.
When her parents noticed physical changes, they confronted her, and she disclosed the incidents. The family attempted to file a complaint in September 2022. However, they allege that the police, instead of pursuing proper investigation, pressured them into agreeing to a marriage between the victim and the accused due to her pregnancy.
Marriage Without Consent
“The woman alleged that the marriage was conducted without proper investigation and against her will,” said Superintendent of Police (SP) Meenakshi Katyayan. After the marriage, the family discovered that Ali was already married.
In November, the woman gave birth to a stillborn child at a private hospital. According to the SP, she endured months of mental and physical abuse. On January 3, she submitted a written complaint, seeking action against the accused.
SP Katyayan confirmed that Sajid Ali was arrested and stated, “Further legal actions are underway.”
The case has sparked outrage, with the family accusing the police of negligence and complicity in pressuring them into the marriage, raising concerns about justice and the protection of survivors’ rights.
