Police have arrested Ayyaz Taj Madare, 26, and Amin Sheikh, 30, both residents of Kalmeswar. A third individual, identified as Hazrat Maulana from Tamia in Madhya Pradesh, is absconding and is being traced by police teams.
Meeting over land deal turns into alleged entrapment
The woman is engaged in property buying and selling. Her husband serves in the Indian Air Force and is currently posted outside Nagpur. According to the complaint filed at the Songon police station, the incident began in February 2025, when Ayyaz, known to her as a classmate, approached her regarding a land transaction.
She was taken to a hotel on Wardha Road in Nagpur, where she was given juice laced with intoxicating substances. After consuming it, she lost consciousness and was raped. The act was recorded without her consent.
Blackmail, repeated threats and extortion of ₹3.9 lakh
Following the incident, the recorded video and photographs were used to blackmail her. She was repeatedly threatened with public circulation of the material unless she complied with demands.
Under sustained pressure, she transferred a total of ₹3,90,000 to those involved. The intimidation continued over a prolonged period, keeping her under constant fear and control.
Viral video fuels conversion narrative
The case escalated after a video circulated widely on social media showing the accused reciting the Kalma with the woman and performing ritual-like gestures. The footage quickly went viral and became central to public discourse around the incident.
According to the complaint, on 31 May, she was taken to Kalmeswar, where she met Amin Sheikh and Hazrat Maulana. The three then took her to a secluded location where religious rituals were conducted, after which she was told that conversion had taken place.
She was later subjected to further attempted sexual assault, continuing what she described as repeated exploitation and coercion over several months.
Police action and investigation underway
The matter came to light when the woman’s husband returned home and learned of the sequence of events. The couple then approached Songon police station and lodged a formal complaint.
A case has been registered under sections related to rape, extortion, attempted forced religious conversion and provisions of the Maharashtra Prevention of Superstition and Witchcraft Act.
Following the investigation, police arrested Ayyaz Taj Madare and Amin Sheikh, both of whom have been sent to police custody after being produced before court. Search operations continue for the absconding cleric, while further action will depend on forensic examination, digital evidence and ongoing investigation.
