A shocking case of radical Islamist deception, sexual exploitation, and blackmail has come to light in Odisha’s capital, Bhubaneswar, where a 21-year-old Islamist man has been arrested for posing as a Hindu, entering into a relationship with a young Hindu woman on the promise of marriage, and later threatening her with intimate photographs and videos. The case, being investigated as love jihad, has also taken a serious turn with the accused Islamist Irfan facing allegations of attempting to strangulate the woman to death.
As per the Organiser reports, the accused Islamist has been identified as SK Irfan, alias Pintu, a native of Aul in Kendrapara district. According to Commissionerate Police, the 20-year-old complainant, who works at a private establishment in Bhubaneswar, came into contact with him through Instagram in March 2025. Irfan operated under the name ‘Kumar Pintu’ and introduced himself as a Hindu. After gaining her trust and developing a relationship, he reportedly promised to marry her and persuaded her to move in with him.
Identity deception and allegations of multiple relationships
Believing his assurances, the woman began living with him in a rented house near Garage Chhak, within the jurisdiction of Lingaraj police station. However, she later discovered that his actual identity was SK Irfan and that he had concealed his religious background while pursuing the relationship. According to her complaint, she also learned that he was involved with several other Hindu women and minor girls and had recorded intimate photographs and videos of some of them.
When the woman confronted him about the deception and his relationships with other women, their relationship reportedly deteriorated. Police said Irfan subsequently subjected her to physical and mental harassment. Distressed by the situation and concerned about the possible social consequences, the woman decided to end the relationship and distance herself from him. However, the accused Irfan refused to accept her decision and continued contacting her.
The matter escalated when Irfan began using the woman’s intimate photographs and videos to threaten and blackmail her. Police said he sent the material to her and demanded money in exchange for not misusing or circulating it. The woman reportedly refused to meet his demands. What followed, according to the complaint, was a violent attack that turned the case into an attempted murder investigation.
Woman attacked while travelling to work
On October 24, at around 3 pm, the woman was reportedly on her way to work when Irfan intercepted her on the road and attacked her with a wooden stick. According to the complaint, he also attempted to strangle her. After she fell to the ground, he allegedly snatched her gold chain and cash before fleeing. He further threatened to kill her if she approached the police or reported the incident, investigators said.
Following the assault, the woman approached the Mahila Police Station in Bhubaneswar and lodged a complaint. Acting on the complaint, police launched an investigation and traced Irfan to the Tinimuhani bus stand in Kendrapara district, where he was arrested while attempting to escape. He was subsequently produced before the court.
Mobile phone examination points to possible additional Hindu victims
During the investigation, police examined the Irfan’s mobile phone and reportedly recovered digital material that has opened up further lines of inquiry. According to the police, preliminary findings suggest that he may have established relationships with several Hindu women by promising marriage. Investigators are also examining allegations that some women were taken to hotels, where their intimate photographs and videos were recorded without their consent.
Police are further investigating whether such material was shared with the accused’s associates and whether other women, including minors, may have been targeted. The digital evidence is being examined to identify potential victims, establish the extent of the blackmailing, and determine whether anyone else was involved. Investigators are also probing possible organized links, including the involvement of other individuals or organizations.
