Hello friends,

Today, after reading the news from Kanpur, I felt deeply disturbed. A law student, who was working hard to build her future through education, was allegedly deceived in a terrible way by a man named Mohammad Kaif. According to reports, he introduced himself as Rajdeep Singh, gained her trust, got close to her, and then sexually exploited her. When the truth came out, he allegedly began threatening her. Thankfully, the police have arrested the accused.

What happened in Kanpur?

The victim is a resident of Harbanshmohal. Mohammad Kaif reportedly came to her house in connection with the treatment of the family’s cow. He obtained the girl’s phone number and contacted her while posing as Rajdeep Singh. Gradually, he built a relationship with her and allegedly raped her after misleading her. When the girl discovered his real identity, she distanced herself from him. Kaif allegedly came outside her house while intoxicated, threatened her, and even talked about killing her. The victim became so frightened that she stopped attending college.

The Kotwali Police have registered a case under charges including rape, stalking, criminal intimidation, and other relevant sections.

These cases are not isolated — some examples from the last 10 years

It is unfortunate that the Kanpur case is not being viewed by some people as an isolated incident. Over the past decade, several cases have been reported in which accused individuals allegedly concealed their identity, used a Hindu name, gained trust, and then sexually exploited women:

• 2018, Jharkhand – Tara Shahdeo case: National-level shooter Tara Shahdeo alleged that her husband had concealed his religious identity. The High Court later granted a divorce, and issues of deception were discussed during the case.
• 2020–2021, Uttar Pradesh: After the implementation of the state’s anti-conversion law, multiple cases were registered. In Bareilly, Owais Ahmad and several others were arrested on allegations of pressuring Hindu women to convert their religion.
• 2025, Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh): Qurban Shah allegedly introduced himself as Rohit and sexually exploited a Hindu woman. A child was reportedly born from the relationship before the truth came to light and a case was filed.
• 2025, Madhya Pradesh: According to state government data, 283 alleged “love jihad” cases were registered between 2020 and 2024, including 73 minor victims. The Malwa-Nimar region reportedly recorded the highest number of cases.
• 2026, Basti, Uttar Pradesh: Police reportedly uncovered a large racket in which Azfarul and several others were accused of trapping more than 100 girls.

These cases, according to the author’s view, indicate a pattern rather than mere coincidence.

My perspective as an ex-Muslim

I was born into a Muslim family myself. I know that some people describe the term “love jihad” as a Hindutva conspiracy. However, the reality, in my view, is that multiple cases have emerged in which Muslim men allegedly adopted Hindu identities to gain the trust of Hindu women. Islam contains the concept of taqiyya (concealment or dissimulation). Some people argue that it is only meant for situations involving danger or persecution, but I believe that, in practice, it has sometimes been seen in the context of romantic relationships and marriage.

Until such Muslim men and any clerics who encourage such behavior are identified, prosecuted, and punished under serious legal provisions, these incidents may continue.

I also want to say something to Hindu society: educate your daughters. Do not let them walk blindly into relationships merely in the name of love. Family awareness, accurate information, and vigilance are important. At the same time, the Muslim community must also engage in self-reflection and reform. Our daughters deserve safety as well.

Questions that arise:

• Why do such cases repeatedly emerge from states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, and Rajasthan?
• Are girls and women being taught about respect, consent, and dignity in our mosques and madrasas?
• Do some people view relationships with “kafir” girls as a form of victory?

I left Islam because I came to believe that it justifies wrongdoing against non-Muslims. In my view, Islam can portray certain harmful acts as virtuous if they are committed against non-Muslims.

Of course, every society has bad individuals. But when wrongdoing is justified in the name of religion, the problem becomes much deeper.

Jai Hind.