Hindu Woman Brutally Murdered in Madhya Pradesh After Resisting Forced Marriage and Religious Conversion

Image: Jihad Watch

In a horrifying incident that has sparked outrage across Madhya Pradesh, a 35-year-old Hindu woman, Bhagyashree Namdev Dhanuk, was brutally murdered late Friday night in Navara village, located in the Nepanagar area of Burhanpur district. The accused, 42-year-old Sheikh Raees, son of Sheikh Asif, allegedly attacked her with a knife after she reportedly rejected his persistent demands to marry him and convert to Islam.

The attack occurred following a heated confrontation, during which Raees allegedly inflicted multiple injuries on Bhagyashree, including a grievous wound to her neck. She succumbed to her injuries on the spot, with no time for medical assistance.

Long-Term Harassment and Ignored Pleas

According to Bhagyashree’s family, the accused had been harassing her for an extended period, continuously pressuring her to accept his marriage proposal and change her religion. Her sister, Subhadra, revealed that the family had approached the local police just hours before the fatal incident to report the threats and harassment—but no timely action was taken.

Arrest and Legal Action

Following the incident, Burhanpur police arrested Raees and registered a case against him under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including charges of murder. Additionally, due to Bhagyashree’s Scheduled Caste status, provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act have also been invoked to ensure that the case is handled with the seriousness it warrants.

Public Outrage and Demands for Justice

The next morning, Bhagyashree’s family and members of the local Hindu community staged a protest by placing her body on the road in a symbolic act of resistance and grief. They demanded immediate action against the accused and called for the demolition of his house and commercial establishment. Several Hindu organizations joined the protest, demanding justice and the arrest of any other individuals who may have been involved in the planning or execution of the murder.

The incident has triggered widespread condemnation and reignited debates around forced conversions, religious harassment, and the safety of women belonging to vulnerable communities. Authorities are under increasing pressure to ensure a thorough investigation and swift justice in this tragic case.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)