Man Arrested in Baksa District for Allegedly Concealing Identity to Pursue Relationship

A 20-year-old man from Baksa district has been arrested for allegedly concealing his religious identity to pursue a romantic relationship with a Hindu girl, sparking controversy over so-called “love jihad” in the region. The accused, whose name has been withheld, allegedly posed as a Hindu man named Rana Saha on social media to interact with the victim. The girl’s family claims he used fake profiles on Facebook and Instagram to build a relationship with her. Members of the Bajrang Dal apprehended the man and handed him over to the authorities at Barpeta Road police station. The victim’s sister has filed a formal complaint, and the police have registered a case (No. 15/24) under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including charges of cheating, criminal intimidation, and outraging religious feelings. Additional charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act suggest the victim may be a minor.