Varanasi: An accused of forced religious conversion and sexual assault, Aftab Ansari, escaped from Kotwali police station on Friday night after suspecting his arrest.ACP Kotwali on Sunday said that based on the woman’s complaint, an FIR under sections of the BNS and the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act was lodged against Aftab Ansari, his parents and his brother. Police had summoned Aftab for questioning on Friday evening. However, while investigators were busy completing formalities, he managed to escape. His parents have been arrested, while police teams have been deployed to nab Aftab and his brother.The complainant told police that she came in contact with Aftab while working for catering service providers, as he was also engaged in the same business. Aftab introduced himself as Amit and, after gaining her trust, developed a relationship with her. She alleged that he established physical relations with her on the pretext of providing work opportunities and promising marriage.According to the complaint, Aftab married her in March 2025 as per Hindu rituals at a temple. However, she later discovered his real identity. When she objected, he allegedly began assaulting her and pressuring her to convert to Islam.The woman further alleged that Aftab’s family members threatened to kill her and her parents. She also claimed that she was held captive for about a month at a house in Harhua, where Aftab’s brother Mitthu allegedly raped her. She alleged that he also threatened to sell her in Mumbai. Chats related to the alleged buying and selling of other girls were reportedly found on Aftab’s mobile phone.She said she somehow managed to escape, informed her family, and lodged a complaint with the police.
