In a disturbing case of alleged deceit and coercion, a 25-year-old woman from Indore has accused her husband from Bihar’s Begusarai district of physical abuse and pressuring her to eat beef and convert to Islam. The woman, Aarti Kumari, approached Begusarai police seeking protection and assistance to return home, bringing attention once again to the contentious issue of ‘love jihad.’
From Facebook Friendship to Forced Faith
Aarti met Mohammad Shahbaz on Facebook five years ago. Drawn by an online romance and promises of marriage, she left her home in Madhya Pradesh in 2018 and travelled to Begusarai. Shahbaz, claiming to be a gold and silver trader, allegedly misrepresented himself and organized a local wedding ceremony. Following the marriage, Aarti adopted the name Aarushi Parveen but continued to follow her Hindu faith.
However, her dream of a loving partnership soon turned into a nightmare. Aarti told police that Shahbaz began to emotionally and physically abuse her after marriage, particularly for her refusal to convert to Islam and consume beef. ‘He deleted pictures of Hindu gods from my phone and beat me when I refused to eat beef,’ she said.
Allegations of Deceit and Abuse
According to Aarti, Shahbaz’s real occupation was far from what he had portrayed online. “He said he was a trader, but he just makes garlands in a small shop,” she said. Over time, Shahbaz allegedly grew distant and abusive, ultimately telling her he no longer wished to keep her.
Despite working at a jewellery store and giving Shahbaz nearly ₹1 lakh of her earnings, Aarti said she was subjected to mental and financial exploitation. “I’ve had no contact with my parents since I left. They think I’m dead,” she said tearfully, requesting the authorities to send her back to Indore.
Police Response and Legal Status
Subodh Kumar, Sadar DSP, confirmed that Aarti approached the Begusarai police and the women’s police station but did not file a formal FIR. ‘She submitted a written request asking to be sent back home. We have conducted a medical examination and placed her in a women’s shelter. The repatriation process to Indore is underway,’ he said.
Shahbaz, on the other hand, denied all allegations and countered with his own claims. He alleged that Aarti was previously married, has three children, and is medically incapable of bearing more children. ‘She’s had affairs, run away from home multiple times, and has no interest in religion. Why would I make her read the Quran or eat beef?’ Shahbaz told reporters. He has requested the district administration to relieve him from what he called ‘baseless accusations.’
A Case That Raises Difficult Questions
While no formal complaint has been lodged, the case has sparked concerns over cross-religious relationships entered under false pretenses. The combination of alleged identity fraud, forced religious pressure, and domestic abuse has put a spotlight on how social media-fueled relationships can spiral into legal and emotional turmoil.
Aarti’s ordeal paints a troubling picture of vulnerability and exploitation. Her request for help is now in the hands of authorities who must balance sensitivity with legal due process. Meanwhile, the district administration continues efforts to reunite her with her family.
