Pune, Maharashtra –
During a press conference on 8 April, Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Medha Kulkarni announced the launch of ‘Operation Durga’, a campaign aimed at supporting women affected by love jihad in Maharashtra.
She stated that the initiative will focus on creating awareness, providing counselling, rehabilitation, and legal assistance to victims. A dedicated helpline number will also be announced shortly to offer immediate support.
Key points presented by Dr Medha Kulkarni
The safety of Sayali Surve, who has returned to Hindu Dharma, remains a matter of serious concern. Her husband, Atif Tase, has 28 criminal cases registered against him.
Sayali’s mother-in-law, Gulshan Tase, also faces multiple cases. All four daughters-in-law of the family are Hindus, and some have filed complaints.
Sayali has expressed her desire to be freed from the marriage and is currently under immense mental pressure. There are also reported threats to her life, as well as to her four children and her parents.
After returning to her parents’ house, Sayali was allegedly not provided police protection. Questions have been raised regarding accountability in the matter.
Dr Medha Kulkarni asserted that timely police protection could have prevented the incident in which her in-laws allegedly took her away forcibly. She urged the police to thoroughly re-examine any statement recorded from Sayali at the police station, claiming it was made under duress.
Demand for dedicated ‘love jihad’ cells
Dr Kulkarni demanded the establishment of separate ‘Love jihad’ cells in police stations, on the lines of the ‘Bharosa’ department, to properly assess and address such cases.