'40,000 obscene videos' and Pakistan link: Bajrang Dal alleges Manish alias Moin Khan targeted Hindu women in Kota

A case registered in Rajasthan's Kota over an alleged social media network has triggered a major controversy, with Bajrang Dal claiming that Hindu women and girls were being targeted through online platforms, blackmailed using objectionable content and pressured to convert their religion. However, Kota Police have clarified that several allegations being circulated publicly have not been substantiated during the investigation so far.

The case came to light after Bajrang Dal activist Yogesh Renwal filed a complaint at Vigyan Nagar police station on June 15. Based on the complaint, police registered an FIR and arrested the accused, identified as Manish Sharma.

According to the complaint, Sharma allegedly used the name "Moin Khan" on social media and was associated with several online groups where discussions allegedly revolved around trapping Hindu women through romantic relationships, recording objectionable videos and later using them for blackmail. The complainant further alleged that victims were pressured to convert after being exploited.

Police are currently examining chats, videos, photographs and other digital material recovered from the accused's electronic devices.

What are the allegations?

According to India Today, claims of more than 40,000 obscene videos, an alleged Pakistan connection and accusations of religious conversion have pushed the Kota case into the national spotlight, with Bajrang Dal demanding an investigation by central agencies.

The FIR has been registered under Sections 196(1)(A), 196(1)(B), 299 and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 66, 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act.

Bajrang Dal has alleged that Sharma was active on platforms such as Telegram, Snapchat and Discord, where he participated in groups that specifically targeted Hindu women.

The organisation claims investigators recovered more than 40,000 obscene videos of Hindu women from the accused's mobile phone. It has further alleged that some videos contained Hindu religious symbols such as Om and Swastik, while others included objectionable content involving Hindu deities and Shivling.

Another allegation made by Bajrang Dal is that Sharma underwent circumcision, converted his religion and adopted the name Moin Khan before carrying out these activities.

According to India Today, Bajrang Dal also claimed that certain Telegram groups and audio clips contained discussions about trapping Hindu women, recording objectionable videos and later blackmailing them. The organisation further alleged that terms such as "Jihad-al-Akbar" and "Ghazwa-e-Hind" appeared in some of the online groups connected to the case.

Renwal also claimed that some chats and audio clips suggested instructions were being issued by individuals allegedly linked to Pakistan. Based on these claims, Bajrang Dal has submitted complaints to the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Rajasthan Chief Minister, seeking an investigation by national agencies.

The organisation has maintained that the matter could involve a larger organised network operating through multiple social media platforms and has demanded a detailed investigation into all digital accounts and communications linked to the accused.

What has the police found so far?

As public attention around the case grew, Kota Police clarified that several claims being circulated remain unverified.

Kota City Additional Superintendent of Police Subhash Mishra said investigators have not found any evidence of religious conversion.

"Any kind of religious conversion has not come to light. No facts related to the insult of Hindu deities have emerged in the investigation so far," Mishra said, as quoted by India Today.

He added that investigators have established that the accused was associated with Telegram groups and had been viewing and downloading obscene and pornographic material. Based on these findings, police registered the case under relevant legal provisions and arrested him.

Mishra further stated that investigators have not found any audio recordings indicating a Pakistan connection, and no evidence has emerged so far to warrant action under anti-conversion laws.

According to India Today, Investigating Officer CI Mangilal said Sharma, a resident of Vigyan Nagar, allegedly used the fake name Moin Khan while interacting in Telegram groups.

The officer said the accused downloaded videos and photographs from these groups and stored them on his mobile phone. However, investigators have not yet established whether Sharma underwent circumcision, another allegation made publicly in connection with the case.

Mangilal added that Sharma remains in judicial custody while police continue examining his mobile phone, social media activity, chats and other digital evidence to determine the full scope of the case.

The investigation is ongoing, and police say further conclusions will depend on the forensic examination of the seized digital evidence.