Show summary Hide summary
A woman in Ulhasnagar has lodged a criminal complaint saying a man concealed his identity, married her and then pressured her to adopt Islamic practices — allegations that come as Maharashtra’s new anti-conversion legislation moves toward national approval. The case, which led to several arrests, highlights how recent legal changes could affect investigations of marriages alleged to have been used for religious conversion.
The complaint, filed at the Central police station, names a 33-year-old man, identified by police as Imran Sheikh, and six others including two of his brothers. Officers say Imran — who allegedly used the name “Vijay” when he first met the woman in 2019 — was taken into custody along with his brothers after the woman accused him of deceit, coercion and insulting her faith.
Allegations and timeline
According to the woman’s statement to police, the relationship began in 2019. She says Imran presented himself as Hindu, developed a personal relationship with her and then took her to his native village in Bihar later that year, where he revealed his real identity and married her according to Muslim rites.
Woman alleges love jihad, forced to stop Hindu worship and eat beef: husband, brothers held
Palok Basu Foundation endorsed by Justice Nandan: expands legal and cultural outreach
She alleges that after the wedding she was compelled to adopt Islamic practices — including wearing a burqa and hijab, refraining from Hindu worship, and consuming beef — despite her objections. The complaint also claims verbal disparagement of Hindu deities by the accused and increased harassment after the birth of the couple’s child. The woman further says Imran later married a second woman and told her he was entitled to multiple marriages.
Feeling coerced and betrayed, she returned to Ulhasnagar and approached the police. Investigators say three suspects have been arrested and produced before court; the accused were remanded to police custody while inquiries continue.
Charges registered
Senior police inspector Shankar Awtade said the case was registered under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The sections cited include allegations of cruelty by relatives, sexual harassment, cheating, criminal intimidation and hurting religious sentiments.
- Key accused: Imran Sheikh, Salman Sheikh, Shahbaz Sheikh and four others named in the FIR.
- Principal allegations: Concealment of identity, forced adoption of religious practices, harassment, and bigamy.
- BNS sections: Include cruelty by husband/relatives, sexual harassment, hurting religious sentiments, cheating, and intimidation.
Why this matters now
The complaint arrives as the state’s controversial Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill — approved by the assembly in March 2026 — is under consideration at the national level after being sent to the President in April. The law targets conversions allegedly obtained through coercion, inducement, fraud or deception, and specifically cites conversions carried out under the pretext of marriage.
Under the state legislation, officials say people found to have facilitated unlawful conversion through marriage could face up to seven years in prison and fines; courts may also declare such marriages void and record the child’s religion as that of the mother before the marriage.
Legal analysts and civil-society groups have been watching how such complaints are handled, noting that the new statutory framework expands the investigative and punitive tools available to authorities in cases where conversion is alleged. For victims, that could mean stronger state support; for accused persons, it raises the prospect of additional charges if investigations find evidence of deliberate deception tied to religious conversion.
What officials say and next steps
Police confirmed the FIR and the arrests but said the probe is ongoing and that charges will be framed based on evidence collected. Court proceedings have started for the detained suspects; further detentions or releases will depend on the outcome of police custody remand and subsequent hearings.
- Investigation status: Ongoing; evidence and witness statements being recorded.
- Court action: Three arrested individuals remanded to police custody after initial production before magistrate.
- Potential legal outcomes: Charges under multiple BNS provisions; possible action under the Maharashtra anti-conversion law if applicable.
Officials urged restraint and cautioned against drawing conclusions until investigations are complete. The case is likely to receive continued attention as it intersects with a newly strengthened legal approach to alleged faith conversions tied to marriage.
