Woman stabbed to death for refusing to convert to Islam; protests erupt

BHOPAL: In a shocking incident, a 35-year-old woman was killed after she allegedly refused to convert to Islam. The incident took place in Madhya Pradesh’s Navara. The deceased has been identified as Bhagyashree Namdev Dhanuk. Police have arrested a man named Sheikh Raees (42) in connection with the case.

The murder took place inside Bhagyashree's house. According to police, Raees slit her throat and stabbed her multiple times, killing her on the spot. Her sister, Subhadra Bhai, alleged that Raees had been pressuring Bhagyashree for a long time to convert to Islam and marry him. She also said he had been harassing her physically, and when she refused to convert, he forced his way into the house and killed her.

Police confirmed that the accused was taken into custody soon after the incident. Several Hindu organisations staged protests and alleged that the murder was an instance of “love jihad.” Protesters also demanded Raees be given the death penalty. Authorities revealed that Bhagyashree had filed a complaint against Raees just four days before the murder. Meanwhile, the police have also seized the accused's illegal properties.