Pratapgarh Police Announce Cash Reward for Three Fugitives in Shocking Captivity Case
In a significant development, the Pratapgarh police in Uttar Pradesh announced on Wednesday a reward of Rs 25,000 each for information leading to the arrest of three individuals accused of holding a man from Madhya Pradesh captive for an entire decade and forcibly converting his religion. This announcement follows the victim's dramatic escape on Sunday, which brought an end to what he describes as ten years of "slavery."
Victim's Harrowing Ordeal and Escape
The victim, identified as Santosh Shukla, aged 40, originally from Sagar district in Madhya Pradesh, managed to flee his captors and reach a local police outpost on Sunday. There, he recounted his traumatic experience to officers. Shukla alleges that he was held captive as a domestic helper by Badr-ul-Zama, aged 38, a resident of Pratapgarh, who not only imprisoned him but also coerced him into converting to Islam and changing his name to Sher Khan.
Badr-ul-Zama was promptly arrested by the police on Monday. However, his three associates—Kalloo, Naeem, and Nizam—remain at large, prompting the police to issue the cash reward for their capture.
Legal Charges and Investigation Details
The trio has been formally charged under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and specifically under Section 3/5(1) of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. Police investigations have revealed that Nizam serves as a maulana at the Dwoodnagar mosque in Pratapgarh, adding a layer of complexity to the case.
How the Decade-Long Captivity Began
Shukla's nightmare began in 2014 when he met Badr-ul-Zama, Kalloo, Naeem, Nizam, and six other associates at a dhaba in Chhattisgarh. The group lured him with promises of a better life, including the prospect of relocating to Pratapgarh and even arranging a matrimonial alliance for him. After waiting for two years, Shukla accepted their offer and arrived in Pratapgarh in 2016, hopeful for a fresh start.
Instead, his dream destination quickly turned into a living hell. Badr-ul-Zama took him captive, forcing him to perform household chores continuously for the next ten years. Shukla endured this alleged slavery until his successful escape on Sunday, marking the end of a prolonged period of suffering and deprivation of freedom.
Police Response and Ongoing Manhunt
The Pratapgarh police have intensified their efforts to apprehend the three fugitives. The announcement of the reward is part of a broader strategy to gather credible information from the public. Authorities are urging anyone with knowledge of the whereabouts of Kalloo, Naeem, or Nizam to come forward, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges related to unlawful confinement and forced religious conversion.
This case has drawn significant attention due to its duration and the severe allegations involved, highlighting ongoing concerns about personal liberty and religious freedom in the region. The police continue to investigate the full extent of the network involved and any potential additional victims.
