Gujarat father-son, earlier accused of 'Love Jihad', now held in dowry case

Vadodara, Jan 11 (IANS) A Vadodara-based father-son duo, who were earlier booked under the Gujarat 'Anti-Love Jihad' law in 2021, have now been arrested in a dowry case.

Abdul Qureshi and his son Samir have been accused of mentally torturing, and physically assaulting Samir's wife.

In 2021, Samir was arrested for the violation of Gujarat Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Act, 2021. It was the first alleged 'Love Jihad' case in the state.

Vadodara's Assistant Commissioner of Police A.V. Katkad told media that the victim has lodged a complaint against her husband Samir and father-in-law Abdul Qureshi with Gotri police station.

Accodring to the victim, she suffered miscarriage as her father-in-law had kicked on her stomach. She also alleged that they (her father-in-law and husband) mentally and physically tortured her, and demanded huge dowry.

The official said both accused were arrested and will be produced before the court.

In June 2021, the victim had first time lodged complaint against her husband, when she had reportedly alleged that Samir befriended with her while identifying himself as a Christian, during relationship, Samir had took photos of their intimate relations, which were used to blackmail and rape her. "Post marriage, she was forced to convert to Islam and wear burqa."

In 2022, Samir moved a quashing petition, which was not opposed by the victim; on contrary, she agreed for quashing the FIR stating that both families have compromised out of the court. She even had stated before the Gujarat High Court that she never made allegations of 'Love Jihad' against her husband, arguing that the allegations were brought in FIR by the police. Follwoing which, the court quashed the FIR against Samir.