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The National Council of Women (NCW) formed a commission of inquiry on Wednesday to investigate the case of alleged rape, filming and extortion of college girls in Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh becoming friends with a “fake identity.”
At least five survivors stepped up and filed complaints with different police departments in the city, while four men were arrested, allegedly using “fake identities” to become friends with women via social media or mutual friends, according to police.
Bhopal police earlier formed a special investigation team (SIT) and are currently investigating the case.
The NCW’s three-person team will be led by retired IPS officer and former Jharkhand DGP Nirmal Kaur and submit a report to the committee after visiting Bhopal from May 3-5.
“Commission chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar took suo moto action on the incident and directed the concerned officials to take immediate action, but considering the seriousness of the facts related to the incident, the chairperson has constituted a three-member committee to investigate the matter. This committee will visit Bhopal from May 3 to May 5, 2025 and after gathering information about the case, will submit a detailed report to the Commission,” the NCW said in a statement.
Speaking to the Deputy Director of the Hindus (DCP) District 2, Sanjay Agrawal said that so far, the SIT has identified six defendants, four of whom have been arrested, including the main defendant Farhan Ali. The other three accused were identified as Sahir, Thad and Said Ali arrested on Monday, while the two men – Abra and Nabel – are currently the whole.
Mr Agravar said five survivors, including two sisters who complained on April 18 at the Bag Sevania Police Station in Bhopal, have stood up so far.
“Multiple teams are raiding to defeat the remaining two defendants. Currently, we believe the six men have been running for the group,” he said, adding that police are also trying to track more survivors, if any.
Mr Agraval said: “A variety of local reports say survivors were also forced to convert to Islam, “different women have different charges.” Some girls say they were forced, but this is not currently confirmed and is part of an ongoing investigation. ”
Another senior official who belongs to the SIT said that various private videos and pictures of women were found on the phone seized by the defendant.
“We can only attract one of the survivors through digital evidence. The defendants who shared videos with each other,” the official said.
One of the sisters who filed the first complaints met with Fahan via social media in 2022, the official said.
“The girl was studying at a private university, and Fahan had studied there earlier. After getting to know her, he recorded her private video and used them to blackmail her sister and friends to his friends. So far, a similar pattern has been noticed.
“These women have alleged rapes have occurred everywhere over the years. Some of them, including the first complainants, have also alleged physical assault. This is a complex case and we are still following some new potential clients.”
Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) also sought the report of Bhopal Police Commissioner HC Mishra.
Three of the defendants were also bothered by them when a group of lawyers were taken to court after being arrested on Monday.
Before they appeared, the defendants also marched on the road and crouched down.
publishing – May 1, 2025 at 04:23 AM IST
