In a deeply unsettling incident from Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, a case has emerged involving the gang rape of a young minor girl. The accused, Moeed Khan, a leader of the Samajwadi Party, along with his servant, Raju Khan, are alleged to have committed the crime a few months prior. The situation took a grim turn when it was revealed that the assault was not only brutal but also recorded. The perpetrators filmed their atrocious act with the intent to blackmail the minor victim, leveraging the obscene video to continuously exploit her sexually for over two months.

The ordeal for the minor girl, whose background is rooted in a laborer family from the OBC community, became public when her health began to decline, culminating in her pregnancy—a direct result of the continued abuse. The family's plight worsened when they sought help from the local police. Disturbingly, it is alleged that the Bhadarsa Police Station, under whose jurisdiction this horrific incident occurred, failed to file an FIR for more than 30 hours. Adding to the controversy is the claim that the police station had been operating out of Moeed Khan’s residence since 2012, suggesting a deeply entangled relationship between the accused and local law enforcement authorities.

The local community and the minor victim’s family were left reeling when these allegations came to light. On Tuesday, 30th July 2024, the police finally took action by registering a case against the accused Samajwadi Party leader and his accomplice. Both were arrested in connection to the crimes.

This case unfolded in the Pura Kalandar police station area, not far from where Moeed Khan owns a bakery shop near the Bhadarsa Outpost, underscoring the proximity of the accused to the centers of community life. The minor victim, a resident of the same area, lives with her mother, who is now grappling with the aftermath of this tragedy, both as a caregiver and a mother seeking justice for her daughter.

Approximately 75 days prior to the unfolding of the case, the minor victim recounts a chilling tale. She was on her way home when Raju, an employee at Moeed Khan's bakery, coaxed her into the shop with the offer of a toast. Having been a previous customer, she felt a misplaced sense of trust and entered the premises. What transpired next is harrowing. It is alleged that both Moeed Khan and Raju Khan took turns to assault her within the confines of the shop. Adding to the brutality, they captured the entire vile act on video, which they then used to blackmail her, threatening to release it if she resisted their continued abuses. This nightmare went on for over two months, during which the minor victim was subjected to repeated sexual exploitation, resulting in her pregnancy.

The ordeal came to light when the minor victim began experiencing severe stomach pains, which raised her mother's suspicions. Upon learning the horrific details, her mother took immediate action, going to the police to file a complaint against the perpetrators of this heinous crime.

Community Reaction

The community's response was swift and significant. News of the crime quickly spread, drawing outrage and prompting gatherings at the site of the incident. Hindu organizations, alongside workers from both the BJP and Bajrang Dal, as well as members of the Nishad Party, converged at the police station, demanding justice and action.

The investigation into the crime revealed that the Bhadarsa police station, pivotal in this case, was situated on property owned by the accused SP leader, Moeed Khan. This discovery led to the immediate relocation of the police station to another venue overnight, highlighting the extent of Khan's influence and the potential conflict of interest it posed.

Reports further suggest a deep-seated connection between Khan and higher echelons of political power. Moeed Khan is not only closely associated with Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad but also holds a significant party position as the Nagar President of the Bhadarsa region. Adding to the complexity, it has been reported that a bank also operates on one of Khan’s properties, indicating his substantial control over local infrastructure.

In the aftermath of the horrific revelations and the subsequent police complaint lodged by the minor victim's mother, she reports facing unrelenting pressure aimed at compelling her to retract her statement. This relentless intimidation underscores the severity and complexity of the situation, highlighting the obstacles faced by minor victims of such heinous acts when seeking justice.

Alleged Bribery and Dismissal

The minor victim's mother recounts a particularly disheartening encounter with Moeed Khan. According to her, when they confronted Khan about the atrocities committed against her daughter, he dismissively offered them Rs 2,000 for medication and coldly suggested, "Get treatment, abortion medication is available. All of this keeps happening." His response not only trivialized the grave nature of the crime but also exhibited a chilling disregard for the trauma inflicted on the young minor victim. Further, when questioned about the whereabouts of his servant Raju, Khan denied any current ties, stating, "Raju does not work for them," thereby attempting to dissociate himself from his accomplice.

Adding to her account, the minor victim's mother highlighted the socio-economic dimension of the crime. She pointed out that their family's impoverished status made them easy targets for such exploitation. "Taking advantage of this, those people did wrong things to my daughter," she stated, emphasizing how vulnerability is often exploited by those in positions of power.

In response to these grave accusations, the police have taken decisive action. Both Moeed Khan and his servant Raju have been arrested, and an FIR has been filed under the relevant sections of the gang rape and POCSO Act, reflecting the serious nature of the crimes committed. The authorities are not only focusing on the criminal acts but are also extending their investigation to include administrative aspects such as the legality of the operations at Khan’s bakery shop, checking for proper documentation and compliance with regulations.