Bijnor: The Allahabad High Court granted bail to Arif Ahmad, a resident of Bijnor who was arrested under charges of rape, cheating, and unlawful religious conversion under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Uttar Pradesh’s anti-conversion law. His arrest followed an FIR filed by a local RSS worker who accused Arif of luring a Hindu woman into a relationship for the purpose of religious conversion.
Arif’s counsel, Advocate Gopal Misra, argued that the allegations were based on enmity. He said the FIR and the woman’s later statements did not match. He added that the woman did not accuse Arif of any offence in her statement. Misra presented a letter which he said showed the relationship was consensual. He claimed the woman’s family pressured her to change her version. He said no evidence showed coercion or force by Arif.
The court examined the case record. It noted the nature of the material placed before it and the absence of any contradictory evidence. It said the available evidence was secure. The court said it was not commenting on the merits of the case at this stage. It granted bail on the condition that Arif furnish a personal bond with two sureties. The court directed Arif to cooperate with the trial, avoid contact with witnesses, and avoid any attempt to influence the investigation.
The case drew attention after WhatsApp messages sent by Arif’s brother, Afaq Ahmad, were flagged by the court in a separate proceeding. The court said the messages contained subtle language with the potential to promote religious enmity. The bench refused to quash the FIR lodged against Afaq for promoting hatred. It said the messages implied Arif was targeted because he belonged to a particular religious community.
