Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said recently that his government is considering to bring in legal provisions to deal with cases of “love jihad” in the state. This statement comes following the murder of a 21-year-old college student in Faridabad district of Haryana last week, an incident that led to nationwide outrage.
Khattar said, “Since the Ballabhgarh woman’s murder case is linked with love jihad, the Centre and state government are looking into it, and considering legal provisions so that those guilty are not able to escape” reported The Indian Express.
Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij also wrote on Twitter that the state government is contemplating formulation of a law against love jihad.
हरियाणा में लव जेहाद के खिलाफ कानून बनाने पर विचार किया जा रहा है ।
— ANIL VIJ MINISTER HARYANA (@anilvijminister) November 1, 2020
Senior officials in the Haryana government told IE that the discussions are being held at various levels to come up with the legislation.
Reacting to Khattar's statement, Selja Kumari, President of Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee told Times of India, “A crime is a crime and the law of the land has sufficient provisions of punishment, depending on the gravity of the crime.”
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On 29 October the working president of Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) Alok Kumar met the girl’s family. The next day VHP issued a statement in which Kumar said that a talented young girl was murdered by "Islamic jihadists" at a public place in broad daylight. He also added, “It is very difficult to bear this loss,” demanding relief worth one crore rupees for the deceased woman's family and a speedy trial in the case.
On Saturday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced to bring a law against ‘love jihad’ in the state. He also hailed the Allahabad High Court ruling that called religious conversion for the purpose of marriage is unacceptable.
On this, Vij said, “Whatever Yogi Adityanath says, he always speaks the truth… Attempts are being made by unscrupulous elements to force people to convert their religion through love jihad. In Faridabad’s murder case too, the victim’s family has alleged the woman was being forced to change her religion… We shall hold discussions with our allies… A decision will be taken accordingly.”
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About the incident
On October 26, a 21-year-old woman was shot dead by her alleged stalker in Ballabgarh, Haryana. This incident was caught on a CCTV camera. Two men reportedly tried to abduct the woman, forcing her into the car. When the attempt failed, the main accused, named Tauseef, reportedly shot her dead and fled from the spot.
Also Read: Ballabhgarh Woman’s Family Wants Accused, Who Was Harassing Her Since 2018, To Be Hanged
As per the report, the accused had a history of harassing the woman. The father of the deceased woman claimed that the man was pressuring her to change her religion to Islam and marry him. He had a one-sided affection towards her and had reportedly kidnapped her two years ago. You can read more from here.
Image Credit: Hindustan Times
Sagrika Giri is an intern with SheThePeople.TV.