A pregnant woman in India has accused three brothers and their uncle of repeatedly raping and assaulting her. The 30-year-old also alleged that she was blackmailed with a private video and forced to undergo a religious conversion.
Police case opened in Gujarat
Police opened a case on August 20 after the woman filed a complaint in Gujarat's Banaskantha district. The four men named in the case are Akhtar Rajabshah Fakir, his brothers Arif Rajabshah Fakir and Iliyas Rajabshah Fakir, and their uncle Salimshah Jumashah Fakir.
According to the police complaint, the woman was five months pregnant when she was allegedly repeatedly raped and physically assaulted. She claimed Akhtar, who knew her estranged husband, had become close to her after saying his grandfather could provide "tantric" remedies for health problems.
Previous case and threats
Police said the woman had previously filed a case against Akhtar and his relatives in April, after which Akhtar and two other people were arrested. She alleged that Arif and Iliyas, who were wanted in connection with that case, threatened to kill her and kidnap her daughters.
According to the latest complaint, the woman later moved with Akhtar to Pengiya village after he was released from jail on June 16. She had hoped their situation would improve. However, she alleged that Akhtar continued to rape and beat her despite her pregnancy.
Blackmail and forced conversion
The woman also claimed a secretly recorded private video was used to blackmail her after she refused to contact other men over the phone. She alleged that the men threatened to share the footage on social media.
She further accused the three brothers and their uncle of repeatedly raping her and forcing her to undergo a religious conversion. According to her complaint, a local cleric was brought in to perform a "nikah" ceremony. She alleged that she was given a spiked drink and her name was changed to "Fiza". She also claimed the men threatened to bring her daughters, who were staying with their grandparents, and force them to convert.
Assault and escape
On July 21, the four men allegedly assaulted the woman and threw her out of the house. She later sought help from a shopkeeper and contacted India's 181 women's helpline before moving to Lakhani with help from her mother, police said.
Police said the four accused have been booked for offences including rape, criminal intimidation and assault, as well as under the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act. No arrests had been made at the time of writing.
