Odisha Love Jihad Row: Wife Accuses Husband of Trapping Hindu Women for Marriage

Odisha: A case related to alleged “love jihad” has come to light after a complaint in the Kendrapada district of Odisha. It is alleged that a married Muslim youth, claiming himself to be unmarried, had relations with Hindu women and later married them. So far he has been accused of targeting two Hindu women. His wife herself gave this complaint to the police, after which the matter came into discussion.

Who lodged the complaint and against whom?

The complainant has been identified as Farida Khatoon, a resident of the Kendrapara Sadar police station area. She has given a written complaint to the police against her husband, Saijuddin Khan. After this the police have started investigating the entire matter.

What allegations did Farida Khatoon make in her complaint?

According to Farida, she was married to Saijuddin Khan in the year 2020, and they both have a child. She alleged that her husband left her about two years after the birth of the child. After this, he lured a Hindu woman into a love trap and married her. Farida claims that about a year later, her husband married again and recently married another Hindu woman.

Have allegations of financial transactions also been made?

The complaint also alleges that some Muslim organizations allegedly provide Rs 10 lakh per marriage to Hindu women. Farida claimed that her husband received a total of Rs 20 lakh after marrying two Hindu women. However, the police have clarified that these allegations are being investigated, and it is too early to reach any conclusion.

Why did other families also complain?

The matter gained momentum when the father of a girl from the Nagpura area also contacted the police. He alleged that Saijuddin wooed his daughter and took her to Hyderabad after marriage. After this complaint, more aspects of the case have come to the notice of the police.

What does the police have to say on this whole matter?

Kendrapara Superintendent of Police Siddharth Kataria has said that the matter is serious and all the allegations are being investigated closely. He assured that after verifying the facts, action will be taken as per law.

What is the reaction of the local people?

There is anger in the area after this incident. Some local people say that such matters should not be taken lightly. They are demanding that the police investigate the entire network and the role of the alleged organizations. Besides, an appeal is also being made to the state government to make strict laws, as is applicable in some other states.