Nalasopara woman files police complaint alleging pressure to convert, assault and sexual abuse

A young woman in Nalasopara has filed a police complaint making serious allegations. She says that a friendship was first used to build acquaintance, she was then drawn into a relationship, and was subsequently pressured to convert, beaten and sexually abused. She registered the complaint at Nalasopara police station on October 12.

The complaint names Arif Shaikh as the main accused. Allegations have also been made against his mother, Ruksana Shaikh, and his cousin, Sahil Khan. In her statement to the police, the woman said the accused pressured her to convert, beat her and sexually abused her.

According to the woman, she was introduced to Arif Shaikh through a friend. As the acquaintance grew, Arif drew her into a relationship. He told her that his mother, Ruksana Shaikh, was an astrologer and arranged a meeting with her. The woman alleges that Ruksana frightened her by saying her mother had died, that her house was haunted and that her own family members would kill her. She said in the complaint that she was then forced to live at the accused's house.

She moved into the accused's house on April 1, 2025. She alleges that after she went there, Arif repeatedly sexually abused her on the promise of marriage.

On May 5, 2025, Arif and the woman began living in rented accommodation elsewhere. It is claimed that since rooms there were given only to Hindus, Arif posed as the woman's brother and lived with her. She also said that Arif would beat her whenever she resisted. In July 2025, Arif's cousin Sahil Khan also allegedly tried to force himself on her. The complaint states that when she resisted him, Arif and Sahil together beat her.

It is alleged that while she was being pressured to convert, she was told to eat beef and wear a hijab. She also told the police that she was beaten when she refused. She claims Arif targeted many Hindu women in the same way. She says girls were being photographed in obscene poses, extorted for money and sexually abused. The woman claims Arif told her in person that he had targeted 70 to 80 Hindu girls. She also alleges that Hindu women are targeted during Navratri and Ganeshotsav.

The woman has said that Arif is linked to a large gang that lures young women. Police are investigating the allegations. Police are expected to examine whether the accused have links with others, whether there are more such cases, and how far the woman's allegations are true. Attention is also on whether more women come forward with complaints in the case.