The Vishwa Hindu Parishad in Gujarat declared a bandh in Vadnagar town of Mehsana district on Monday, 2 September, to protest the alleged rape of a 16-year-old Hindu girl by a 21-year-old Muslim man.
However, Vadnagar Police have stated that this is not a case of love jihad, and instead potentially falls under the purview of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Vadnagar is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s hometown.
The police informed the protesting VHP crowd that the accused, Mansuri Shahid Munari had been arrested after which the crowd dispersed.
Speaking with The Quint, Police Inspector BM Patel from Vadnagar Police Station said that while it was possible the two were in a relationship, it was certainly not a case of love jihad.
“They were in a relationship. The boy and the girl met in coaching class where the girl was a science student and the boy was a commerce student. Since the girl is a minor the boy could be charged under POCSO. We will interrogate the girl as well and ask her if the accused had physical relations her. If she says yes, then he will be charged under POCSO.”BM Patel, Police Inspector, Vadnagar Police Station
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