In a significant development in the Bhopal private college rape and blackmail case, the prime accused, Farhan Khan, has been remanded to judicial custody until May 26, following his court appearance via video conferencing. Concurrently, a National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) team has launched an investigation into the case, raising concerns over deficiencies in the initial police probe and signalling a deeper inquiry into the funding sources behind the accused. Farhan Khan, implicated in serious charges including rape, blackmail, and alleged ‘Love Jihad’ at a private college, faced court proceedings on May 13 after his prior custody period ended. Due to the absence of POCSO Court Judge Neelam Mishra, the hearing was conducted before Special Judge Pallavi Dwivedi. Khan, accused of assaulting a minor among other victims, faces charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Information Technology Act, and Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act. He was initially detained on April 30 by Bagsewania police following interrogations.

 

The NHRC team, led by member Priyank Kanungo, arrived in Bhopal from Delhi on Tuesday evening to conduct a two-day investigation. The team has criticised the Bhopal police’s preliminary investigation as “incomplete,” pointing to lapses such as inadequate forensic analysis and failure to interrogate the accused’s family or probe their lavish lifestyles, including the use of expensive vehicles. Kanungo questioned the hasty demolition of structures linked to the accused, like Farhan’s Club 90 restaurant, without proper evidence collection, calling it “reckless.” The NHRC aims to uncover the funding sources behind the accused, suspecting external networks or influences, including the role of certain madrasas. The team will visit the private college, Technocrats Institute of Technology, and Club 90 to gather evidence, with the possibility of filing new FIRs based on findings. The case, which has sparked widespread outrage and protests across Bhopal, involves allegations of a systematic racket targeting Hindu female students. Farhan, along with associates Sahil Khan, Ali, Saad, Nabeel, and fugitive Abrar, allegedly lured victims into relationships, sexually assaulted them, and blackmailed them using recorded videos.

 

Five accused have been arrested, with Ashoka Garden police sending Farhan, Nabeel, and Ali to jail on May 6, while Jahangirabad police interrogated Sahil and Saad. Abrar remains at large, with a Rs. 20,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. The NHRC’s involvement, prompted by complaints of sedation, assault, and forced conversions, underscores the case’s gravity. Seven victims have been identified, with expectations of more emerging. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has vowed strict action, emphasising zero tolerance for such crimes. The investigation continues to unravel the network behind this disturbing case, with the NHRC’s findings likely to shape further legal actions. Speaking to the media, NHRC member Priyank Kanungo, leading a three-member team probing the Bhopal private college rape and blackmail case, outlined key concerns and directives.

 

“The NHRC has received complaints about a group of Hindu female students being targeted with sexual abuse and drug addiction, blackmailed with obscene videos, and coerced into religious conversions. While some victims have come forward, we suspect the victim count may exceed a dozen. We urge anyone with information to approach our team,” Kanungo stated. He expressed dissatisfaction with the police investigation, urging a deeper probe into the accused’s funding sources. “The accused used expensive bikes and spent lavishly to lure victims. Police must seize these assets and trace the money trail for potential money laundering or Hawala links,” he said. Kanungo also criticised the lack of evidence collection from Club 90’s six cabins before its demolition, noting its role as a student hangout linked to drug use. He highlighted local individuals facilitating college admissions for cash and influencing students, calling for scrutiny of their activities and the local police’s inaction.