On Wednesday, December 18, a distressing incident emerged from Basaha Mafi village, situated in the Phoolbehad police station area of Lakhimpur Kheri. A widow, overwhelmed by continuous harassment from members of the Muslim community, decided to put her house up for sale. She made her plight public through a poster that read: "Muslimo se pareshan hokar ghar chodna chahte hai. Makan bikau hai (Fed up of Muslim harassment, we intend to sell this house)."

The woman’s decision to sell her home stems from a series of threatening incidents that have disrupted her family’s life. She disclosed that her elder daughter had been a victim of love jihad, a situation that has left the family grappling for justice. Despite their ongoing efforts, justice remains elusive, and the family now lives in constant fear. The widow revealed that threats have been made against her younger daughter, raising concerns that she might also fall prey to a similar fate.

Adding to her anguish, the widow recounted an obscene incident involving her younger daughter. This led to a formal complaint being filed under the stringent POCSO Act. However, despite the gravity of the charges, she lamented that "no action has been taken against the accused persons who continue to roam freely in the village and continue to threaten us."

While the police claim to have taken action by arresting three individuals connected to the case, the widow’s allegations suggest that the threats and harassment persist unabated, leaving her family in a state of insecurity and despair.

As per the reports, the woman stated that she is unable to step outside her home due to the fear instilled by the accused, who belongs to the Muslim community and has a history of criminal behavior. "Despite repeated visits to the police station and the Superintendent of Police’s office, no substantial action has been taken against the accused," she revealed, accusing the police of inaction. This lack of response has left her exposed to ongoing mental and physical harassment at the hands of powerful Islamist individuals.

The widow further elaborated on her precarious situation, pointing out that her village has a predominantly Muslim population, with her family being the only Hindu household. After the death of her husband, she and her daughters became increasingly vulnerable to harassment. Speaking to the media, the woman specifically named Imran, the grandson of former village head Bhure, and his associates as regular tormentors. She accused them of persistently harassing her daughters and disclosed that Imran had abducted her elder daughter twice in the past. These incidents had forced her to file missing person reports, which, according to her, did not result in any meaningful action by the authorities.

As per the lady, on October 4th, 2024, her daughters were alone at home. During this time, Imran and another youth named Irshad broke into her house, created chaos, stole Rs 35,000 in cash and jewelry, and kidnapped her elder daughter. They are also believed to have sexually assaulted her younger daughter. "While the police have registered a case, no concrete steps have yet been taken against the perpetrators," the woman said.

Taking cognizance of the event, Kheri police commented on the matter and said that three persons in the case had been arrested. The police also stated that an FIR under relevant sections of the law has been filed.

The woman continues to express her anger and frustration over the incident. She shared that despite repeated assurances from law enforcement agencies, the threats have not subsided. "I am constantly receiving threats that my younger daughter might also get kidnapped," she stated, reflecting her ongoing fear and helplessness. This unending cycle of harassment and insecurity has pushed her to the brink. Feeling unsafe and without any other options, the woman has now resolved to sell her house, a decision laden with sorrow and desperation.

Her story is a stark reminder of the systemic challenges victims face and the pressing need for effective intervention to protect vulnerable individuals and families from such predicaments.