Two sisters from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, have been arrested on serious charges of rape, forced religious conversion, and allegedly running a sex racket, all while pretending to offer jobs to vulnerable young women.
The sisters, Amreen and Afreen, along with their associate Chandan Yadav, were taken into custody after two women, aged 21 and 32, filed complaints at the Bagh Sewania police station on Sunday night. Three other suspects, Bilal, Chanu, and Yasir, are currently on the run. The women had met through Instagram and soon realised they were both victims of the same group, according to Bhaskar English.
The police investigation revealed that Amreen and Afreen, who once lived in a modest slum in Abbas Nagar, had recently moved into a luxurious villa in Sagar Royal Villas, Bhopal. Authorities believe the lavish lifestyle was funded by illegal activities, particularly the exploitation of young women.
According to a NDTV report, the duo had targeted girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, luring them with offers of domestic work, a monthly salary of Rs 10,000, free accommodation, meals, and a "high-profile lifestyle."
During the arrests on Monday, police seized mobile phones belonging to Amreen, Afreen, and Chandan. Officials confirmed that multiple suspicious WhatsApp groups were discovered on Amreen's phone, allegedly containing photographs of various young women. Investigators believe that a larger network is operating across state lines, as the victims have alleged they were taken to Gujarat and Mumbai and introduced to strangers under various false pretences.
The victims have reported that they were gradually introduced to parties, clubs, and lounges, where they were pressured into socialising with wealthy men. According to the FIR, they were allegedly coerced into consuming alcohol and MD drugs. In some instances, they claimed they were drugged and sexually assaulted.
One complainant, a 21-year-old beautician from Mungeli, said she was taken to Ahmedabad in December 2025 under the pretext of a job offer. There, she claims she was raped by Yasir, a relative of Amreen. She also alleges that Bilal and Chanu assaulted her at different times.
The victims have stated that whenever they mentioned leaving their jobs, they were met with threats. They also claim that they were photographed in compromising situations and later blackmailed.
A formal case has been registered at Bagh Sewania police station in Bhopal. A rape report has been filed, and a crime investigation is underway. The authorities are questioning the accused, and further developments are expected as the investigation progresses. One of the most serious accusations involves forced religious conversion.
According to the FIR, Chandan Yadav reportedly told one of the victims, "I have converted to Islam. You too become a Muslim. I will get you married to a good family." The victim claimed that she was pressured into converting and was later forced to wear a burqa and pray. Police are investigating these allegations under relevant sections regarding forced conversion and rape.
A case has been officially registered at Bagh Sewania police station in Bhopal. The female complainant has filed a rape report, and an official investigation is underway. The accused are currently being questioned, and further developments are expected as the investigation continues.