Tension rises in Rajasthan’s Ajmer after a woman tells police she is living with a Muslim man by choice; angry relatives and Hindu organisations protest, damage shops and raise ‘love jihad’ claims while police confirm both are adults.
AJMER — Tension gripped parts of Rajasthan’s Ajmer city after a young woman told police that she wished to live in a live-in relationship with a Muslim man, triggering protests by her family and members of some Hindu organisations.
The incident occurred in the Ganj police station area, where the woman’s relatives and several protesters gathered outside the police station. Police later confirmed that the woman is an adult and has the legal right to choose where and with whom she wants to live.
According to police, the woman had earlier been reported missing by her family. A missing person complaint was filed at Ganj police station on February 3.
The case took a new turn when the woman appeared at the office of the Superintendent of Police in Churu along with the Muslim youth with whom she is in a relationship. Following the development, Ajmer police brought both of them to Ganj police station for questioning.
What began as a routine legal procedure soon turned tense as the woman’s family members and several local residents gathered outside the police station.
Woman Refuses to Return Home
Inside the police station, the woman clearly told officials that she was living with the man of her own choice and refused to return home with her parents.
Police officials said her statement was recorded and that she repeatedly confirmed she had not been forced or threatened.
“The woman is an adult. She clearly stated that she wishes to stay with the man of her own free will. According to the law, an adult has the right to decide where she wants to live,” a police officer present during the proceedings said.
Her statement angered members of the woman’s family, who were waiting outside the police station and demanding that their daughter be handed over to them.
The situation escalated when the woman’s parents began protesting outside the police station. In a dramatic moment, they reportedly poured kerosene on themselves and threatened to commit suicide if their daughter was not returned to them.
The act caused panic among people gathered near the police station. Eyewitnesses said police personnel and local residents quickly intervened and prevented any serious incident.
“There was shouting and crying outside the police station. The parents were very upset. Police officers rushed forward and stopped them before anything dangerous happened,” a shopkeeper who witnessed the scene said.
Soon after news of the incident spread, members of some Hindu organisations reached the police station and began protesting.
Some protesters alleged that the Muslim youth had lured the woman and attempted to frame the relationship as a case of so-called “love jihad,” a term used by certain groups to question relationships between Muslim men and Hindu women.
Social activist Monica Deedwania was among those who raised such allegations, claiming that the woman had been influenced by the youth.
However, police officials said there was no evidence to support such claims.
“Both individuals are adults. The woman has clearly stated that she is living with the man willingly. At present, there is no evidence of coercion or wrongdoing,” an officer said.
Protest Outside Plice Station Turns Chaotic
As protests continued, the situation outside the police station turned chaotic. A group of miscreants allegedly vandalised shops in the area.
A snack shop located opposite the police station was damaged, and a nearby liquor shop was also attacked. Witnesses said bottles were broken and some were taken away by members of the crowd. Several nearby shops also suffered damage as goods were thrown onto the street.
Local traders expressed concern over the vandalism.
“Our shops had nothing to do with the matter. Still, some people broke things and threw items outside. It caused losses to small traders,” one shopkeeper said.
Station House Officer Mahavir Singh later arrived at the spot with additional police personnel. The police dispersed the crowd and worked to restore order in the area.
Officials also spoke with the woman’s family and representatives of the organisations present at the site, explaining that the law recognises the right of adults to make personal decisions about their relationships.
“We explained to everyone that the woman is an adult. Under the law, she has the right to live with anyone she chooses. The police cannot force her to go with her family,” SHO Mahavir Singh said.
Police Eased the Situation
After discussions with officials, the crowd gradually dispersed and the situation eased.
Police said strict action would be taken against those involved in vandalism and disorder outside the police station.
“People who vandalised shops and disturbed public order will face legal action. We are identifying those involved,” Singh said.
Authorities have increased monitoring in the area to prevent further unrest.
The incident has once again highlighted the social pressures faced by couples in interfaith relationships in parts of India.
Legal experts say the law is clear that consenting adults have the right to choose their partners.
“The Constitution gives every adult the freedom to decide whom they want to live with. Police did the right thing by respecting the woman’s statement,” a local civil rights activist said.
Police said the situation in Ajmer is now under control, though officers continue to monitor the area. Officials added that ensuring the woman’s safety and freedom remains their priority.
