Allahabad HC Grants Bail to Man Accused of Exploiting Woman, Forcing Religious Conversion
The Allahabad High Court recently granted bail to one Adil Abbas, accused of blackmailing and exploiting a 32-year-old woman and allegedly pressuring her to convert religion.
The bench of Justice Samit Gopal observed that though the allegations were serious, the prosecution had not recovered any of the alleged photographs or videos said to have been used for blackmail. Court also noted that two other named co-accused had been exonerated during investigation, leaving Abbas as the sole accused against whom a chargesheet has been filed.
The FIR, lodged on May 31, 2025, at Indirapuram police station in Ghaziabad, accused Abbas of befriending the complainant at her workplace and subsequently using private photographs and videos to threaten her. The complainant alleged that she was coerced into a physical relationship under threat, gave him nearly Rs. 2 lakh over a period of time, and faced pressure to marry and convert religion.
Appearing for the applicant, counsel submitted that the relationship was initially consensual and only turned sour later. It was argued that the complainant, being a 32-year-old adult, had voluntarily entered into the association and was aware of its consequences. It was further pointed out that no incriminating photos or videos had been recovered, that the complainant had refused medical examination when produced before a doctor, and that Abbas had no prior criminal record. He has been in custody since June 5, 2025.
Opposing the plea, counsel for the complainant and the State contended that Abbas’s family members had continued to threaten and track the complainant even after his arrest.
Court, after considering the material on record, held that the absence of recovered photographs or videos, the exoneration of co-accused, and the filing of the charge-sheet reduced the likelihood of tampering with evidence.
Observing that the complainant was a major and the relationship had begun consensually, Justice Gopal held that Abbas could be enlarged on bail.
Granting bail, court imposed conditions requiring Abbas to refrain from contacting or harassing the complainant, from tampering with evidence, and from delaying trial proceedings. He has been directed to appear personally during key stages of the trial, including framing of charges and recording of his statement. Any deliberate absence or attempt to misuse the liberty of bail, the court cautioned, would invite cancellation of bail and proceedings under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
The High Court also specifically barred Abbas or his family members from tracing or tracking the complainant, and authorised the trial court to cancel bail in the event of any violation.
Case Title: Adil Abbas vs State of UP
Order Date: August 21, 2025
Bench: Justice Samit Gopal