कृपया इसे हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहाँ क्लिक करें
A gang in Bhopal, led by college student Farhan Khan, is accused of luring female students with promises of romance, drugging and raping them—often filming the assaults—and then blackmailing them into further abuse, eerily echoing the 1992 Ajmer scandal where influential men exploited and blackmailed over 100 schoolgirls. Arrests have been made, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed, and multiple FIRs registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, POCSO Act, IT Act, and religious freedom laws. This article unpacks every angle—from ground realities on campus to political reactions.
Background: The 1992 Ajmer Scandal
The Ajmer case unfolded between 1990 and 1992 when members of the influential Chishti family of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah systematically lured girls—some as young as 11—to farmhouses, where they were gang-raped, photographed, and blackmailed into recruiting classmates. Over 250 victims ultimately came forward, leading to life sentences for several accused decades later ﹘ a process marked by repeated trauma as survivors returned to court time and again. The case ignited communal tensions, city-wide protests, and a three-day shutdown of Ajmer, highlighting the deep scars left by betrayal of trust and abuse of power.
Key Facts of the Ajmer Case
- Victims & Perpetrators: Approximately 250 schoolgirls (ages 11–20) were targeted by Farooq and Nafees Chishti and associates.
- Modus Operandi: Victims were lured under false pretenses, drugged or coerced, gang-raped, and photographed; images were then used to blackmail them into silence or further exploitation.
- Judicial Journey: Initial convictions came slowly; by 2024, six more men received life terms, but the slow pace underscored systemic challenges in prosecuting high-profile offenders.
The Bhopal Case Unfolds
How It Came to Light
On April 17, 2025, a 20-year-old student from Betul filed an FIR at Baghsewania police station, alleging that Farhan Khan had lured her into a “love trap” in 2022, raped her at a friend’s house in Jahangirabad, and recorded the assault for blackmail. The victim discovered additional videos of other girls on Farhan’s phone before approaching police, leading to the arrest of Farhan and private employee Mohammad Saad.
Victims’ Experiences
- Drugging & Filming: Survivors recounted being spiked with marijuana or alcohol, taken to secluded rooms, and forcefully filmed during assault.
- Coercion & Conversion Pressure: Some were pressured to consume meat (notably mutton) and observe fasts, suggesting a coercive push toward religious conversion.
- Siblings Also Targeted: The primary victim’s sister was similarly exploited, illustrating the gang’s ruthless tactics.
Accused & Charges
- Arrested: Farhan Khan, Mohammad Saad, and Sahil Khan (who ran dance classes to trap poor village-bred students) are in custody.
- On the Run: Ali Khan, Abrar, Nabeel—and a mechanic named Saad who transported victims for ₹500–700 per trip—remain at large.
- Legal Framework: Charges span rape, kidnapping, POCSO Act, IT Act, and the Madhya Pradesh Religious Freedom Act.
Ground-Level Impact on Campus
Locally, fear has rippled through student hostels and canteens. Girls now double-check drink bottles, and campus security patrols have intensified. One college-mess auntie quipped, “Bhopal’s new thriller is less about movies and more about real life”—an uneasy joke that underscores how even humor masks deep anxiety. Many survivors have suspended studies; some classmates launched a WhatsApp group named “Study Safe,” sharing tips on avoiding late-night walks and dubious invites.
Political & Law-Enforcement Response
DCP Zone-2 Sanjay Agarwal confirmed a zero FIR under POCSO for a minor victim and vowed thorough SIT action to “ensure all culprits are behind bars”. BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma likened it to the “Kerala Story” conspiracy, demanding public punishment—remarks that have sparked debate over due process. State minister Vishwas Kailash Sarang assured swift justice, stressing that such “love jihad” tactics won’t be tolerated in Madhya Pradesh.
Connecting the Dots: From Ajmer to Bhopal
Both scandals reveal a pattern: trust exploited, women filmed without consent, and blackmail used to perpetuate abuse. The recent Hindi film Ajmer 92 revisits those horrors, reminding audiences how long justice can take. Social media hashtags like #BhopalScandal2025 trended briefly, drawing comparisons to Ajmer and sparking calls for legal reform.
Legal & Editorial Disclaimer : The contents of this article are based on information available up to April 29, 2025. Efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, but readers should verify details with official sources. This report does not intend to defame any individual. The article is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the author and publisher expressly disclaim any responsibility or liability for any actions, mishaps, losses, or other outcomes—direct or indirect—that may occur as a result of relying on or using the information contained herein. We respect all religions, and this article is not intended to hurt the religious sentiments of any individual, community, sect, or faith. Readers offended by any part of this content are free to discontinue reading at any time.
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