‘Love Jihad’ Allegation Rocks Silchar on Dashami, Car Vandalised, One Youth Held in Kidnapping Case

Cachar Senior Superintendent of Police Partha Protim Das has clarified that the incident on Silchar’s Link Road on Bijoya Dashami day (Wednesday, October 21) is being investigated as a kidnapping case, rejecting the use of the term ‘love jihad’ to describe the incident. He said, “love jihad isn’t a legal term.”

The SSP said that even if the minor girl had given her consent, taking her away without the consent of her lawful guardian would still constitute kidnapping, as she was below 18 years of age. Police have received the First Information Report (FIR) and registered a kidnapping case.

According to the SSP, one of the two youths allegedly involved in the incident has been apprehended, while the other is being tracked by the police.

The SSP further stated that, according to the FIR, one of the accused had allegedly pretended to be Hindu. Police are examining whether any additional offence related to the alleged misrepresentation of identity may be applicable. However, no such additional charge has been confirmed at this stage.

The SSP said the minor girl’s statement was yet to be recorded before a magistrate.

The incident took place on Link Road in Silchar on Bijoya Dashami, when locals allegedly stopped a car over suspicions that two youths were attempting to take away a minor girl. The situation turned tense, with an angry crowd reportedly assaulting one of the youths and vandalising the vehicle. The father of the girl alleged that she was “brainwashed” by the accused.

Police subsequently reached the spot, brought the situation under control and took the apprehended youth into custody.

While local residents had described the incident as a case of ‘love jihad’, the police have registered a kidnapping case based on the FIR. The allegations remain subject to investigation.