Woman alleges mob attack in Indore, police deny, cite dispute over Shah Bano book

A woman claiming to be an author has alleged that she was assaulted by a mob in Indore nearly two months ago after being mistaken for a “child lifter,” an accusation that police have firmly denied, calling her claims “false.”

The controversy surfaced after a video circulated on social media on Monday, in which the woman stated that she had travelled to Indore in February to meet family members of Shah Bano Begum as part of a project to write a book on the landmark legal case associated with her. The authenticity of the video could not be independently verified.

According to the woman, a dispute arose during her visit when Shah Bano’s family allegedly made “unrealistic” financial demands related to the proposed book. She claimed that the disagreement escalated, and during the altercation, a man accused her of being a “child lifter.” This reportedly led to a crowd gathering in the Khajrana area and assaulting her.

However, police officials have rejected the allegation of any mob violence. Manoj Singh Sendhav , in-charge of the Khajrana police station, said the incident involved only a dispute over a book contract. “Police reached the spot promptly. Both parties later agreed to a mutual settlement and expressed no desire to pursue legal action,” he said.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh Dandotiya explained that confusion may have arisen when the woman was accused of “data theft,” which bystanders allegedly misheard as “beta chori” (child theft), briefly escalating tensions. No formal complaint was filed by either party.

Shah Bano Begum , a resident of Indore, became central to one of India’s most significant legal and political debates on personal law. In 1978, after being divorced by her husband, she approached the court seeking maintenance. In a landmark 1985 judgment, the Supreme Court ruled in her favour, granting her the right to alimony under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

The verdict triggered widespread protests from sections of the Muslim community, following which the then Rajiv Gandhi government enacted the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986 , effectively overturning the Supreme Court’s ruling. Shah Bano passed away in 1992, but her case continues to be cited in discussions on gender justice and personal laws in India.