In his ruling, Justice S Rachaiah of the High Court’s Dharwad Bench emphasized the judiciary’s role in combating forced conversions and safeguarding vulnerable individuals. He highlighted the serious nature of the crime and its wider societal impact, calling for a strong judicial response.
Karnataka: The Karnataka High Court has denied bail to Rafiq, who is accused of confining, raping, and coercing a married woman from a Scheduled Caste community into converting to Islam.
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Rafiq allegedly promised the woman a job in Belagavi city, but upon her arrival, he confined her, assaulted her multiple times, and pressured her into conversion. After escaping and reporting the abuse to her husband, Rafiq was arrested.
In his ruling, Justice S Rachaiah of the High Court’s Dharwad Bench emphasized the judiciary’s role in combating forced conversions and safeguarding vulnerable individuals. He highlighted the serious nature of the crime and its wider societal impact, calling for a strong judicial response.
Justice Rachaiah stated,
“When evaluating bail applications, it is essential to consider the nature and gravity of the offense and its societal impact. In this case, the act of luring innocent and impoverished women and forcing them to convert to Islam is a grave matter. To prevent such harmful practices, it is crucial to send a message that the courts are vigilant in regulating these activities and protecting vulnerable women and children in society.”
According to the order, Rafiq had befriended a married woman from the Scheduled Caste community, luring her to Belagavi with promises of employment. Once there, he threatened her, raped her multiple times, confined her to a room, and coerced her into converting to Islam.
The woman eventually escaped, told her husband about the ordeal, and the couple reported the crime to the police, leading to Rafiq’s arrest. He is charged under the Indian Penal Code, the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022.
Rafiq’s bail application was rejected by the trial court, prompting him to appeal to the High Court. Advocate Mahantesh S Hiremath represented Rafiq, Advocate Praveena Y Devareddiyavara represented the State government, and Advocate SR Hegde represented the woman, the complainant in the case.
