In Badaun district of Uttar Pradesh, a distressing incident has come to light involving a chadar vendor named Rahat, who has been accused of raping a widow. This widow had visited a Dargah for Ziyarat. It is reported that Rahat also threatened the victim with dire consequences if she disclosed her ordeal to anyone.

The incident occurred at the Dargah named ‘Bade Sarkar’, where the victim, accompanied by her daughter, had gone to perform Ziyarat. Rahat, who operates a shop within the Dargah complex selling chadar and sweets, is alleged to have committed the crime under the guise of offering treatment. This serious accusation led to the filing of a complaint against him on Monday, 13th May, following which the police registered an FIR and began an investigation.

Further details revealed by media indicate that the complaint was lodged at the Kotwali police station in Badaun. The victim, a widow and mother of a 6-year-old girl, is originally from Bijnor district. She has been visiting the Bade Sarkar Dargah for about a year. Rahat, who runs a shop on the premises, sells Sinni and Chadar to the devotees and visitors of the shrine.

As per the complaint lodged, around 15 days ago, Rahat coaxed the victim and took her to his room where he committed the alleged rape. During the incident, when the victim protested against his advances, Rahat reportedly hurled abuses and brutally assaulted her. In attempts to silence her cries for help, she was gagged and a cloth was stuffed in her mouth. Following the assault, Rahat is said to have threatened the victim, stating, "If you do not obey me in the future, I will kill you." The victim described herself as helpless and expressed concerns over a continued threat to her life from the accused.

The complaint highlights a pattern of abuse, alleging that Rahat regularly entices new girls under the guise of Ziyarat and assaults them. When these victims attempt to protest or call for help, they are reportedly subjected to brutal assaults. The victim also claimed that Rahat has openly boasted about bribing the police to avoid repercussions.

Expressing her fears, the woman has appealed to the police for protection, particularly concerned about her daughter's safety and their property. In response to these severe accusations, the police have initiated an investigation into the matter after filing a case against Rahat.

In Badaun, a bedsheet shopkeeper at a religious site has been arrested following serious allegations of assaulting multiple women and girls. The case surfaced after a woman from Bijnor approached the SSP's office to file a complaint against him. This incident highlights a disturbing pattern of behavior where the accused allegedly lured his victims to his room under false pretenses and assaulted them.

The situation escalated when a video allegedly showing the shopkeeper committing the act went viral, although the identity of the girl in the video remains unknown. Following this, police efforts have intensified to locate the girl. The ongoing police investigation has uncovered that the shopkeeper repeatedly preyed on females, deceiving them with promises that "the bad things will be done, whatever you want will happen…. Just put the sheet once and meet Rahat." It appears that a woman, who was in illicit relations with Rahat, helped him trap other women. This revelation is part of the findings from the investigation to date.

Following Rahat's arrest, the police are not only investigating these claims but are also searching for the woman who allegedly assisted him. Rahat, a widower whose wife passed away ten years ago, has a son and a daughter who, distressed by the situation, have since moved away.

In discussions, a shopkeeper, who wished to remain anonymous, mentioned that Rahat has been involved in such reprehensible acts for years, instilling such fear that no one dared to complain. It was only after the affected women came forward that the authorities were able to take action. It was also revealed that this is not Rahat's first brush with the law; he has previously been to jail and is currently facing charges in a kidnapping case related to luring a girl away. The community's silence, driven by fear, had until now helped Rahat evade the consequences of his actions, but with recent developments, there seems to be a turning tide.

Recent developments in Badaun have brought to light further accusations against Rahat, the shopkeeper previously arrested for assaulting women under the guise of religious offerings. The allegations continue to compound as another woman from Mohalla Chauhra of Aligarh has come forward with her complaint.

The woman, who was staying at a religious place in the city purportedly for treatment, reported that on May 12, at around 8 am, Rahat approached her with a deceptive charm. According to her complaint, he lured her to his room and engaged in obscene acts, attempting to rape her. Her cries alerted nearby individuals who promptly intervened and rescued her from the harrowing situation. Following her complaint, the police filed a report under the section of molestation, marking another serious legal challenge for Rahat.

Upon his arrest and during the subsequent police interrogation, Rahat was sent to jail. CO City Alok Mishra stated, "During interrogation, no evidence of rape of any other woman or girl has come to light. If any such complaint comes then investigation will be done and action will be taken."

The police have provided further details on the troubling activities of Rahat Mistri, who operates a sheet-selling shop and has built a house on the premises of a religious site in Badaun. This location has become a focal point of his alleged criminal behavior. On Monday, a significant development occurred when a woman pilgrim from Bijnor approached SSP Alok Priyadarshi with a grievous complaint.

The woman reported that after her husband's death, she visited the site with her child seeking treatment. Fifteen days ago, Rahat lured her into his shop under a false pretext and assaulted her. When she attempted to resist, he responded violently. "When she resisted, he beat her, stuffed a cloth in her mouth, and threatened to kill her." This account adds to the mounting evidence against Rahat Mistri, painting a picture of a man who uses his business as a cover for his heinous acts.

Further compounding his alleged crimes, the woman also claimed that "Rahat Mistri frequently physically exploits young girls, teenagers, and women." This has been corroborated by two other women who have come forward with their own complaints, stating that he had attempted to rape them as well. This growing list of accusers suggests a pattern of predatory behavior that has been ongoing for some time.

The Circle Officer (CO) involved in the case has indicated that significant investigative work is being conducted. "Several pieces of information have been gathered about the accused, Rahat Mistri. Information is also being collected from other shopkeepers operating around the shrine." This approach highlights the comprehensive efforts by the police to understand the full extent of Rahat's actions and to ensure that all potential leads are followed up on, ensuring a thorough investigation into these serious allegations.

The Accused in the Badaun Double Murder Case Also Used to Visit This Dargah

A chilling connection has been revealed between the Badaun double murder case and the Bade Sarkar Dargah, a place recently spotlighted due to accusations against a local shopkeeper for sexual assaults. This link sheds light on the backgrounds of individuals connected to other serious crimes in the area.

On March 19th, 2024, a brutal and shocking crime occurred in the Badaun district of Uttar Pradesh, where two minor Hindu boys were savagely killed, their throats slit in what was described as a barbaric attack. The violence did not stop there; the deceased victims' third brother also suffered injuries in this dreadful incident.

The following day, on March 20th, the police engaged in a decisive action against those responsible. The main accused, named Sajid, was killed in a police encounter. Meanwhile, his brother Javed, who initially evaded capture and had a reward of Rs 25,000 announced for any information leading to his arrest, was later apprehended in Bareilly. It was noted that the perpetrators of this horrific act were real brothers.

Significantly, information provided by OpIndia revealed a longstanding connection between the accused's family and the Bade Sarkar Dargah. "As per the information gathered by OpIndia, it had come to light that the family members of the main accused used to take him to this Bade Sarkar Dargah since childhood." 

Sajid’s grandmother claimed that her grandson’s mental illness was treated after frequent visits to the Bade Sarkar Dargah since his childhood. This dargah is deeply revered by his entire village, which describes itself as devoted followers of the site. The significance of this place is underscored by its proximity to the tragic incident where two minor Hindu boys were brutally killed. Additionally, in the context of recent events, a victim involved in another case revealed that she, along with many other women, are receiving 'treatment' at this dargah, suggesting its continued importance and influence in the community.

The revelations bring to the forefront the diverse and sometimes dark histories of those who frequent this religious site, highlighting the need for a deeper investigation into the environment that may have influenced or harbored individuals with criminal tendencies. As the community grapples with these unsettling connections, the focus on safety and vigilance around such significant locales becomes increasingly paramount.