Police Refused Political Allegations in Ralegaon Case; No Evidence of "Love Jihad" Found

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Wasim Sheikh

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@hindostantimes.com

Yavatmal, Maharashtra: Amidst rising political tension over allegations of human trafficking, religious conversion, and "Love Jihad" involving tribal girls in Ralegaon, the Yavatmal District Police has released official data to clarify the situation. Superintendent of Police (SP) Kumar Chinta addressed the media, revealing a significant disparity between the political claims and the actual police records.

Responding to claims made by certain organizations and political leaders regarding a large number of missing tribal girls, SP Kumar Chinta presented the verified figures from the Ralegaon Police Station.

Year 2025 Out of 38 missing women reported, 37 have been traced and reunited with their families. Only one case remains open. Additionally, of the 14 abduction cases registered, 12 girls have been found.Year 2026 (To date)9 women were reported missing, out of which 8 have already been found.

Addressing specific allegations regarding the disappearance of 34 tribal girls, the SP stated that the police have no record or formal complaints supporting such a high number.

The investigation has centered on a local couple, Mazhar Qureshi and his wife, Kalyani Qureshi. According to the police, the duo operated a marriage bureau that facilitated alliances across various districts, including Chandrapur, Nagpur, Jalna, and Aurangabad.While Mazhar Qureshi has been booked under the Arms Act after a sword was recovered from his residence, the SP noted that there is currently no evidence suggesting they targeted or trafficked tribal girls.

The SP categorized the situation as a mix-up of two separate incidents: a prevented child marriage involving a tribal man and a 16.5-year-old girl, and the activities of the Qureshi couple's marriage bureau.No evidence of forced conversion has been found in the investigations conducted so far.

 The police clarified that the "Love Jihad" narrative likely gained traction because Kalyani Qureshi (formerly Hindu) had married Mazhar, but their professional activities involved mediation for various communities where there is a scarcity of brides.The district administration has appealed for calm and urged citizens not to fall prey to rumors.

 "We are conducting a professional and impartial investigation. We are scrutinizing financial transactions and Call Detail Records (CDR) of the suspects. If any irregularity or crime is identified, no one will be spared," stated SP Kumar Chinta.

The police have also requested parents or guardians to come forward and report any missing persons that might not have been registered previously, promising a thorough probe into every lead.