A deeply disturbing incident unfolded at Lulu Mall, Lucknow, when Mohammad Farhaj (also known as Faraz), a supervisor at the mall, was arrested by Sushant Golf City police on July 8, following a complaint by a female employee. The victim alleges that Farhaj drugged her drink, raped her at a hotel, captured the assault on video, and used it to blackmail and threaten her—including coercing for money, jewellery, and even conversion to Islam.
🔍 Allegations: A Timeline of Abuse
- Drugged & Assaulted
The 25-year-old victim reportedly consumed a cold drink laced with a sedative. Farhaj then allegedly took her to a hotel, sexually assaulted her, recorded the act, and later used the footage as leverage. - Blackmail and Threats
Farhaj allegedly demanded money, jewellery, and even forced the victim to convert from Hinduism to Islam, threatening to expose the video if she refused. He is also accused of inflicting cigarette burns when she resisted. - Legal Action Begins
After a formal FIR was registered on July 7 under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita—including rape, criminal intimidation, and forced conversion—Farhaj was summoned on July 8 and arrested following initial investigations.
⚖️ Charges and Legal Proceedings
Police have framed charges under several sections, including:
- BNS 64, 123 (drugging and rape)
- BNS 308 (blackmail)
- BNS 115(2) (criminal intimidation)
- BNS 352 & 351(3) (assault and harassment)
He has been presented before a local magistrate and is currently in custody as the investigation continues.
🌐 Broader Concerns: Workplace Safety & Religious Coercion
This case shines a harsh light on two pressing issues:
1. Workplace Exploitation & Safety
The incident reveals glaring vulnerabilities in employee welfare, especially for young women in retail environments. It highlights the urgency for malls and retail chains to implement robust safety, screening, and reporting mechanisms.
2. Forced Religious Conversion
Allegations that Farhaj demanded conversion to Islam as a condition for job security underscore a disturbing form of coercion. Police are examining potential connections to larger conversion networks through cyber-forensic probes.
👥 Victim Support & Institutional Response
Authorities in Lucknow have ensured the victim is receiving support. The victim’s identity is confidential, as mandated by law to ensure her safety. Meanwhile, Lulu Mall management has remained silent publicly, and there’s no official statement confirming internal actions or support measures for employees.
🧭 What Happens Next?
Investigators are now:
- Examining CCTV footage and digital evidence
- Collecting forensic proof from the victim’s belongings and hotel
- Tracing any broader coercion or blackmail network linked to Farhaj
If the victim’s statements are upheld, Farhaj could face severe legal consequences, including prison terms and penalties for forced religious conversion.
📌 Key Takeaways
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Accused | Mohammad Farhaj alias Faraz, Lulu Mall supervisor |
| Victim | 25-year-old female employee |
| Allegations | Rape, drugging, blackmail, coercion to convert, assault |
| Legal Charges | Under BNS sections 64,123,308,115(2),352,351(3) |
| Current Status | Arrested and in custody; investigation ongoing |
| Concerns Raised | Employee safety, religious freedom, accountability in the workplace |
🛡️ Final Thoughts
The arrest of the Lulu Mall manager is both shocking and deeply concerning. It underscores critical failures around employee safety protocols and the growing threat of religious coercion in workplace settings. As this case unfolds, it should prompt a broader conversation on mandatory training, vigilance, and legal protections for workers—especially vulnerable ones.
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