Gurgaon Police Arrest Two Men for Alleged Marriage Fraud and Forced Conversion of Woman
In a disturbing case of deception and coercion, Gurgaon police have arrested two men for allegedly tricking a 25-year-old woman from Bihar into marriage by concealing the main accused's true identity, physically assaulting her, and pressuring her to convert to Islam. The arrests were made on Wednesday following a complaint filed by the victim, highlighting serious violations under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Haryana Prevention of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2022.
Details of the Accused and Their Alleged Scheme
The accused have been identified as Arif Khan alias Aarav, aged 35, and his associate Tarif Khan, aged 34, both residents of Dhunela village near Sohna in Gurgaon. According to police, Arif, who is a father of three children, married the woman by posing as Aarav, a single Hindu contractor from Gurgaon. Tarif, who had previously worked as Arif's driver, played a key role in introducing the victim to Arif during a visit to her office where she worked in the insurance department of a company.
Police spokesperson elaborated that Arif built trust with the woman by purchasing an insurance policy, establishing a romantic relationship, and even meeting her family while maintaining his false identity. This elaborate ruse culminated in their marriage at a temple on November 4, 2022.
Escalation of Abuse and Coercion
The situation took a dark turn when the woman became pregnant. Police reports indicate that Arif pressured her to undergo an abortion, and when medical professionals advised against terminating the six-month pregnancy due to risks, he allegedly assaulted her physically. Despite this, Arif got her admitted to a private hospital in Gurgaon and abandoned her. The woman gave birth to a boy in August 2023, after which Arif returned to her life.
In 2023, the abuse intensified as Arif took the woman to Dhunela village, where his mother, wife, and brother, among others, allegedly assaulted her and pressured her to convert to Islam. Fearing for her safety, she fled to her parents' home in Bihar, leaving her child there before returning to Gurgaon city.
Recent Threats and Legal Action
The victim's ordeal continued when, on January 26 this year, Arif visited her rented accommodation, assaulted her again, and threatened to kill her if she did not convert. She sustained serious injuries that required hospitalization. Following this incident, she filed a formal complaint with the police on January 27.
An FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Haryana Prevention of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2022—commonly referred to as the Love Jihad Act—against the main accused and six others. The case underscores the severe legal consequences for such deceptive practices and forced religious conversions in Haryana.
This arrest highlights ongoing concerns about marriage fraud and religious coercion in the region, with authorities taking strict action to protect victims and uphold the law.
