Impersonation and Crime: Hookah Bar Operator on the Run

A man named Arbaaz is on the run after being accused of impersonating and raping a minor girl. He introduced himself as 'Shivam alias Bobby,' befriended the victim, and allegedly drugged and raped her. The case also involves threats of blackmail for religious conversion. Legal actions are underway.

Police have booked a man for allegedly impersonating and sexually assaulting a minor girl, authorities confirmed Sunday. The suspect, Arbaaz, who formerly ran a hookah bar that closed in 2022, remains at large. He initially introduced himself as 'Shivam alias Bobby' when the victim first encountered him in July 2022.

The victim claims that after befriending her, Arbaaz took her to Delhi in September 2022, where he reportedly drugged and raped her on multiple occasions, according to the FIR. Allegedly, he also filmed these encounters, using the videos to blackmail her into converting to Islam.

This year, on July 16, Arbaaz allegedly confronted the victim and warned her against legal pursuits. Although initially detained by police, he was released shortly after. A formal complaint led to the registration of a case under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, and further legal actions continue.

(With inputs from agencies.)