Our investigative journey into accusations of infiltration, religious conversion, and 'love jihad' continues through three districts in Santhal Pargana. Previously, we delved into the contentious settlements on tribal lands. Read on to discover the controversial theory now also dubbed as 'love jihad'.
The story from yesterday: Tribal brides, gifted land, and the looming presence of a different creed... a dangerous maneuver in Jharkhand's districts!
'It was the morning after the wedding. As is the custom for newlyweds, my husband surprised me with a gift. He wasn't Ranjit Kohli as I knew him, but Raqibul Hasan, and he wanted me to convert to Islam. I endured imprisonment for 40 days, subsisted on leftover bread and milk, suffered abuse, and assaults. Escaping brought injuries so severe, shooting was no longer an option. Later, I realized I was India's first 'love jihad victim'.'
July 2014!
Just a decade ago, Tara Shahdev was a promising shooter from Ranchi, poised to dazzle the world. Before she could, a tragic mishap occurred. A concealed religion at marriage, followed by forced conversion attempts. The relentless court case spanning 9 years unveiled multiple horrifying layers.
The narrative of Tara and Raqibul oscillates between actions taken and untold tales, especially within the tribal-dominated districts of Jharkhand.
Source: aajtak
The story's end isn't predetermined. The girl could switch religions, face fatalities, or become a pawn in a larger game.
Change the month and look around: you'll stumble upon narratives hinting at these issues from Santhal Pargana.
In every failed romance across religions, tribal youths assert a similar account. These stories are subtly intertwined with Bangladeshi infiltration, just like salt dissolves into dough.
This tale lies between fact and fiction, exploring the term 'love jihad'. It uncovers forgotten names and the anonymous figures making headlines, named after being altered. There are other names too: Ankita, set ablaze; Rubika, dissected with an electric saw; and a nameless minor, found hanging, a four-month pregnancy revealing a darker truth...
Roam anywhere in Santhal Pargana, and you'll discover elders and youngsters lamenting these transformations.
Could this merely be estranged love, not a conspiracy?
Replies emanate with irritation: our regions are turning into groom's quarters. One moves in, marries our girls, and slowly they outnumber us. It won't be long before our language and customs vanish.
Source: aajtak
Fuming over these assertions, we head to Dumka's Shri Amada village. Just off the highway, a dilapidated hut touches nerves that seem beyond seasonal cycles; a tattered home sits under the shadow of an old mango tree.
In September 2022, a teenage girl from the tribal community was found hanging from this tree, pregnant.
Inquiries unearthed layers. A minor laborer, she had left home for work and crossed paths with Arman Ansari. Their relationship deepened, pregnancy followed. When marriage discussions ensued, Arman evaded, escalating matters to the extreme. To portray the murder as suicide, he staged the body on the tree to mimic hanging.
Above all, before her untimely death, the girl endured brutal assault. The perpetrator was caught, charged with murder, rape, and offences under the ST-SC Act. Headlines were made. And the story ended there.
Within reach of the university where this incident unfolded, a madrasa stood benignly. It's a Friday. Children readied for prayers while a cleric awaited questions surrounding him with suspicion. Before we could inquire further, he bombarded us with clarifications.
Source: aajtak
The story weaves through multiple narratives underlying each local encounter, with ties to broader national issues, shaded by the complex hues of 'love jihad'. Join us next as we unveil the tapestry of this phenomenon in the finale of our incisive report.
