Main accused in Meerut gang-rape case held

Sanaullah, the main accused in the Meerut gang-rape and conversion case, was arrested in Muzaffarnagar district late on Tuesday. 

It was alleged that the accused had forced the girl to convert and had also sexually exploited her after keeping her hostage at a religious school in Muzaffarnagar. Sanaullah had been absconding after the matter came to light, said sources.

The police had earlier arrested five others in this connection. The victim also claimed she was gang-raped at the school, Several other girls had been held hostage and could be sent out of the country.

The police, however, said the victim had not been “forcibly converted”, but that she had been offered a “good salary” and other facilities if she agreed to it.

The case has been handed over to a woman officer for investigation. Also, a circle officer will monitor the probe, sources said. A village chief and woman cleric were among the other main accused in the case.