SIT Formed in Bhopal Minor Assault Case

Police in Bhopal have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged sexual assault and blackmail of a Class 11 student, officials said on Thursday.

Two men — Osali Ali Khan (20) and Mohammad Maaz Khan (23) — have been arrested in connection with the case. The arrests were made under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act and provisions of the Information Technology Act, police said.

Allegations and Arrest

According to police, the minor filed a complaint on February 2 alleging that she was sexually assaulted multiple times and later blackmailed with videos.

Officials said one of the accused allegedly recorded the assault and used the footage to threaten the girl. The police also alleged that the victim was pressured to convert her religion.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone-3) Abhinav Chauksey said that during questioning, one of the accused reportedly admitted to being involved in a conspiracy against the girl.

The accused are currently in custody and are being interrogated.

Formation of SIT

The four-member SIT has been constituted under the leadership of Additional Commissioner of Police Ankita Khatarkar.

Police said the team will investigate whether other young women were similarly targeted and examine how the accused came into contact with the minor.

Officials also stated that they are reviewing digital evidence, including messages allegedly sent to the victim. Call Detail Records (CDR) have been examined to confirm the presence of the accused at the locations mentioned in the complaint.

Police said the mobile phones allegedly used to record the videos were disposed of in Rajasthan.

Suspension of Police Personnel

In a related development, a head constable posted at Kohefija police station has been suspended after his alleged links with one of the accused surfaced.

Police officials said he is accused of accepting ₹50,000 to assist during the investigation. A departmental inquiry has been initiated.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities have not released further details to protect the identity of the minor, as required under law.

The SIT is expected to submit a detailed report after completing its inquiry. Police said further action will be taken based on the findings.

The case has drawn attention in the city, with officials assuring that a thorough and impartial investigation will be conducted.