Burhanpur | Aug 4, 2025 : In a horrifying case that has sparked public outrage in Madhya Pradesh, a 35-year-old woman, Bhagyashree Namdev Dhanuk, was brutally murdered inside her home in Navara village under the Nepanagar police station. The accused, 42-year-old Sheikh Raees, allegedly slit her throat and stabbed her multiple times for refusing to convert to Islam and marry him.

According to the police, the incident took place late at night when Raees forcefully entered Bhagyashree’s house. The victim died on the spot due to multiple stab wounds and a fatal cut to the throat. Police arrested Raees within hours of the crime.

The victim’s sister, Subhadra Bai, made a disturbing statement: “Raees used to harass her constantly. He grabbed her hair, beat her, and kept pressuring her to marry him and convert. When she refused, he killed her.”

Additional Superintendent of Police Antar Singh Kanesh confirmed that Raees has been charged under sections of murder and atrocity and is currently in custody.

The murder has led to widespread anger among locals, with protests erupting in the region. Protestors, led by community leader Amit Varude, termed the incident a case of “love jihad” and accused police of negligence. “She had lodged a complaint just three or four days ago. The police let him go. Now she’s dead. He should be hanged,” Varude said during a protest.

Former cabinet minister Archana Chitnis also visited the grieving family and demanded accountability from police officials. “This is not just a failure of one man’s morality but a failure of the system to protect women. Those responsible must face consequences,” she said.

In a swift response, authorities have begun taking action against the accused’s properties. SDM Bhagirath Vakhala stated, “We found several encroachments and illegal constructions by the accused. The administration has initiated proceedings to remove them.”

Locals have demanded justice for Bhagyashree and greater protection for women facing threats and harassment. The shocking nature of the crime has reignited debates around interfaith relationships, conversion-related violence, and law enforcement’s accountability in acting on prior complaints.

The incident remains under investigation, with officials promising swift action and a fair probe. Authorities have also assured that the victim’s family will receive full support from the administration.

As the case develops, public scrutiny over police handling of such complaints continues to intensify, with demands growing louder for stricter laws to prevent crimes stemming from forced religious conversion and harassment.