Maharashtra: Kidnapping, forced conversion pushes minor girl to suicide; 11, including Kalam Mansoori, arrested

A minor girl in Nashik committed suicide on August 23 after enduring relentless harassment, abduction and pressure to undergo forced religious conversion and marriage. Frustrated by abuse from several people, including persistent pressure to convert and marry, she consumed poison and later died during treatment in a hospital.

The Nashik Road Police have registered a case against ten accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Section 107 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Kalam Mansoori (22), one of the main accused, allegedly stalked the girl and constantly pressurised her to get married.

According to the victim’s mother, Mansoori was supported by his family and others who pressured the underage girl to marry him.

The victim’s mother filed a complaint alleging that the girl was constantly threatened and harassed by Mansoori and his associates. CCTV footage revealed that Mansoori and his driver, Sahil Saeed, were involved in her abduction. Due to the persistent harassment, the girl’s family had earlier withdrawn her from school and opted for homeschooling instead.

On the day of the incident, the victim swallowed poison and was rushed to the hospital. Initially, the police classified the case as sudden death. However, on August 27, the girl’s mother went to the police station to file a formal complaint.

Following the complaint, police arrested Mansoori and his family members, who were allegedly involved in pressuring the victim to take such a drastic measure. The investigation is still ongoing, with police investigating the involvement of other suspects in the case.