In a specific instance, Neha (pseudonym) was approached by an individual who introduced himself as Taha, presenting as a Hindu without disclosing his last name. He expressed a disinterest in last names, which Neha recounted to OpIndia, remarking, "Since Taha is such a unique name, I could not understand his religious affiliation." Initially, Taha appeared supportive of her religious practices, accompanying her on her Thursday fasts and to the temple on Mondays. Despite not entering the temple, citing a lack of belief in temple visits, he would share verses from the Gita, including translations, and discuss the notion of a single divine presence.

This behavior, designed to obscure his true religious identity, reflects a pattern where trust and companionship are meticulously built as a foundation for deeper deceit. Taha's actions, from his initial introduction under a guise to his strategic engagement with Neha's religious activities, were part of a calculated approach to mask his intentions and background, raising critical concerns about the dynamics of trust and manipulation in intimate relationships.

Taha engaged in discussions that centered around the concept of monotheism, showcasing his deep understanding of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. He leveled criticism at followers of Hinduism, accusing them of widespread deceit and deviation from the core principles of Sanatan Dharma.

Throughout the initial six years of their companionship, Taha Razi presented himself as an attentive and loving partner, fulfilling every conceivable emotional need. However, a pivotal moment occurred towards the end of 2021 when Neha accidentally discovered Taha Razi’s driving license, revealing his actual identity.

Faced with Neha's discovery, Taha resorted to tears and entreaties, swearing his loyalty to her. He assured her of his acceptance of her faith and even offered to convert to Hinduism for her sake.

However, the dynamics of their relationship began to shift after Neha suggested marriage as the next step. It was then that Taha gradually began to reveal his genuine intentions. Initially, he subtly introduced the idea of her converting to Islam, elevating Allah as the paramount deity and portraying Islam as an evolved form of Sanatan Dharma. Neha, taken aback by this sudden proposition, stood firm on her decision that her faith was immutable and not open for negotiation.

As time passed, Taha's subtle efforts to convince Neha to convert to Islam grew increasingly blatant and forceful.

In a startling revelation, Taha informed Neha that his family in Bihar had arranged a marriage for him with someone from their own community, explaining their opposition to his union with Neha due to her differing religious background. This news left Neha bewildered, especially since Taha had previously indicated that his family was informed about and accepting of her faith. When questioned about the sudden change in his family's stance, Taha portrayed himself as trapped by circumstances, suggesting that Neha's conversion to Islam might sway his parents' approval for their marriage.

Bhagwan ko bhul jayegi…beef khaegi: How Taha Razi used coercion to compel the victim to convert in return for marriage

Recognizing Neha's deep affection for him and her vulnerable position, having been estranged from her family due to her relationship with a Muslim man who had concealed his true identity, Taha resorted to emotional manipulation.

Neha shared with the media screenshots from her WhatsApp conversations with Taha, revealing the depth of his emotional coercion. In these messages, he stated a condition for their marriage: Neha would have to renounce her Hindu faith and start eating beef. "Bhagwan ko bhul jayegi…beef khaegi," Taha messaged, responding to her pleas for them to wed.

This approach was part of Taha's broader strategy to pressure Neha into converting to Islam, using emotional leverage to challenge her spiritual beliefs. Despite these intense pressures, Neha remained firm in her resolution not to forsake her religious convictions. Yet, upon realizing his psychological manipulations were futile, Taha escalated to extreme measures of physical abuse and intimidation.

Neha shared the traumatic experiences she endured at Taha's hands with OpIndia, detailing the violence inflicted upon her. She recounted an instance where Taha forcibly silenced her with a cloth, proceeding to physically and sexually assault her. A particularly distressing event involved Taha violently pulling her hair in anger when she expressed reluctance to watch videos of Zakir Naik, illustrating the severity of the abuse she faced for resisting conversion.

“One day, Taha stuffed a cloth in my mouth and gagged me before physically and sexually assaulting me. He ripped my hair when I disapproved of watching Zakir Naik’s video,” Neha said.

Taha Razi empathised with Aftab Amin Poonawala, threatened Neha with Shraddha Walker’s fate

Taha Razi, after years of portraying himself as the perfect partner to Neha, eventually revealed his true, violent nature. "He used to abuse me and beat me up black and blue every time I refused to accede to his demands of conversion. While beating me up ruthlessly, he would often tell me that I was pressuring him to provide me with Shraddha Walker’s fate."

Neha also recounted instances where Taha expressed sympathy towards Aftab Amin Poonawala, the individual accused of murdering and dismembering his live-in partner, Shraddha Walkar, into 35 pieces. She noted that Taha seemed to justify Aftab's heinous actions by comparing her supposed stubbornness to that of Shraddha Walkar, implying that Aftab was driven to his actions due to Shraddha’s refusal to convert.

Taha menacingly warned Neha in Hindi, implying a sinister fate if she continued to resist conversion, "Bechara Aftab. Mujhe pakka pata hai who Shraddha bhi teri tarah ziddi hogi. Nahi mani hogi conversion ke liye, isliye bechare Aftab ko who kadam uthana pada. S**li…tujhko doosri Shraddha banna hai kya. Nahi mane gi toh there saath bhi wohi karoonga." (Poor Aftab. I am certain Shraddha must have been as obstinate as you. She must have refused to convert, which forced poor Aftab to take the step he did. Would you like to become the next Shraddha? If you do not agree, I will do the same with you.)

Taha Razi’s sudden behavioural changes

The dynamics of Neha's relationship with Taha underwent a significant transformation once his real religious identity came to light. She recounted an incident where, after visiting a local Ganesh temple in Bangalore, she returned with Khichdi and Sambar as Prasad for Taha, as she had done before. However, this time, Taha reacted angrily, asserting that consuming prasad was forbidden (haram) in Islam.

Neha also highlighted some peculiar habits of Taha, like his refusal to wash his hands before meals. When she expressed her concerns, he would dismiss them by claiming that Islamic teachings suggest the bacteria on one's hands are beneficial for digestion.

Furthermore, Neha shared with OpIndia a disturbing event where she found Taha had disrespectfully placed a packet of cigarettes on her home shrine in front of her idol. Though she initially thought it to be an inadvertent mistake and overlooked it, Taha's actions escalated the following day when he placed a bottle of alcohol in the same sacred space. This blatant disrespect deeply upset Neha. Upon confronting Taha, his response was hostile and confrontational. He aggressively declared, “S**li, mere ko batayegi. Mein rakhonga, tu kya kar legi” (I will do what I want, what can you do?), before proceeding to desecrate the idols by throwing them to the ground.

Background of the case

Neha hails from Odisha, while the accused, Taha, originates from Bihar. It is understood that their paths crossed during an internship in Hyderabad, where Taha introduced himself by his first name, deliberately omitting his surname. When pressed for his full name, he cleverly deflected, claiming it was his family's custom to eschew surnames.

Taha went to great lengths to convince Neha of his Hindu faith, engaging in activities such as temple visits, studying the Bhagavad Gita, observing fasts alongside her, and showing devotion specifically to Lord Krishna. He swiftly moved their relationship forward, even going as far as introducing Neha to his mother shortly after proposing. Neha felt welcomed by his mother, who affectionately called her 'beta'. Taha also expressed reverence for Hindu scriptures, including the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

The truth about Taha's identity came to light under unexpected circumstances. While on a trek, Neha discovered Taha’s driving license, which inadvertently fell from his pocket. The discovery led to a confrontation, during which Taha admitted to concealing his real identity, fearing Neha’s rejection. He attempted to reassure her of his commitment to the principles of Sanatan Dharma and his engagement with the Bhagavad Gita. Moreover, he offered to convert to Hinduism, indicating the extent of his willingness to bridge the gap his deceit had created.

Neha however refused to keep ties with him after knowing the truth. She began distancing herself from the accused.

The accused then convinced her saying, “My family is a modern family, we live in an all-Hindu colony and my great-grandfather had to convert to Islam under pressure, my family believes in Hindu Dharma. I am not a Muslim and will never force you for anything. I have already accepted you as my wife. Have you ever seen my mother and sister wearing burqa? We are modern. I will never force you to convert.”

Despite discovering the truth, Neha initially chose to withdraw from the relationship. However, the accused attempted to reassure her by emphasizing his family's progressive stance and historical connection to Hinduism. He argued, "My family is a modern family, we reside in a predominantly Hindu neighborhood, and it was under duress that my great-grandfather converted to Islam. Our beliefs align more closely with Hindu Dharma. I don't consider myself Muslim and I'll never impose anything on you. You are already my wife in my eyes. Have you ever noticed my mother and sister wearing a burqa? We're progressive. Converting you is not my intention."

Persuaded by his assurances, Neha reconsidered and opened up to her family about Taha. However, this revelation led to her family disowning her, unable to accept her relationship with a Muslim man who had initially concealed his religious identity.

Subsequently, the couple moved to Bangalore, setting up their life together in a new home, hopeful for a fresh start. Yet, this new chapter quickly turned grim as Taha began to physically abuse Neha, often using the Quran to justify his actions.