Nagpur: An Islamic cleric from Madhya Pradesh, who was absconding in connection with a case involving allegations of forced conversion and rape of a woman, surrendered before Nagpur Police in Maharashtra, an official said on Thursday.
The accused, identified as Hazrat, a resident of Tamia in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district bordering Maharashtra, surrendered at Sonegaon Police Station late on Wednesday night.
Police officials said teams had been conducting searches for the cleric, with officers also deployed in Tamia for several days. Following increased pressure from the investigation, the accused turned himself in, officials added.
According to police, the cleric is accused of helping facilitate the alleged forced conversion of a 24-year-old woman, who was earlier married to a defence personnel, and arranging her nikah ceremony.
The main accused, Ayaz Taj Madare (26), and another accused, Aamir Mehmood Shaikh (30), are already in police custody.
Police said Hazrat would be produced before the court, where they would seek his custody for further questioning. Investigators said his interrogation is important to determine his alleged role and gather more details related to the case.
Meanwhile, the police custody of Ayaz and Aamir has been extended until June 21.
The investigation team is also examining digital evidence, including mobile phones, SIM cards, social media accounts, and other electronic materials collected during the probe.
Officials said they are also looking into allegations of extortion, circulation of objectionable videos, and the alleged use of an intoxicating substance against the woman, who approached the police with a complaint recently.
The exact timeline of the alleged offences has not yet been established, and the investigation is ongoing.