(Representative image) (image-X/MPPoliceDeptt)

Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: Two men have been arrested in Bhopal for allegedly sexually assaulting and attempting to forcibly convert three women students of a private college, including a minor, police said on Friday. A third suspect remains at absconding.

According to Bhopal Commissioner of Police HC Mishra, the accused, identified as Farhan Ali alias Faraz and Sahil, have been booked under multiple charges, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, the IT Act, and provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

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According to the police, the case came to light on April 18 when one of the victims complained to Bag Sewania police station. She alleged that Farhan coerced her into introducing her friends to his associates, who then allegedly raped and blackmailed them.

“Three separate complainants have come forward. Prima facie, it’s a rape case involving blackmail and forced conversion. One victim was a minor at the time of the assault, so the POCSO Act applies,” Mishra said, as quoted by The Indian Express.

He also added that a Special Investigation Teams (SITs) has been constituted for a thorough probe into the matter.

Police are investigating claims that the accused concealed their religious identities while befriending the women and later tried to coerce them into conversion.

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Farhan, a former student of the same college, allegedly befriended the minor two years ago, hid his identity, raped her, and used the video footage to blackmail her, according to officials.

Police suspect similar tactics were used against the other victims. FIRs have been filed at Bag Sewania, Jahangirabad, and Ashoka Garden police stations. Efforts are ongoing to track down the third accused.