FIR Registered Against Five Minor Muslim Girls in Moradabad Under Stringent UP Anti-Conversion Law
In a significant development from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, authorities have registered a First Information Report (FIR) under Section 3 of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act against five minor Muslim girls. The girls, aged between 15 and 17 years, are accused of allegedly persuading their 16-year-old Hindu friend to wear a burqa.
Incident Details and Police Action
The incident reportedly took place on December 12, 2025, but came to public attention only recently after police confirmed the registration of the case. The complaint was filed by the Hindu girl's brother, Daksh Chaudhary, at the Bilari police station on Friday, prompting immediate police action.
Superintendent of Police (Rural) in Moradabad, Kunwar Akash Singh, stated to media, "As soon as we received the complaint, a First Information Report was registered and further investigation is ongoing." Section 3 of the anti-conversion law specifically addresses the prohibition of religious conversion through misrepresentation, force, fraud, undue influence, coercion, or allurement.
Background and Allegations
According to the complainant, Daksh Chaudhary, his sister had been regularly meeting with one of the accused girls for approximately two months. "The five girls who took away my sister in burqa may have had some ill intention. So, I approached the police at Bilari station," Chaudhary explained.
A purported video of the incident, lasting about a minute, has been widely circulated on social media platforms. The footage shows the girls in a narrow alley between houses, with one girl wearing a burqa over her dress while others assist her.
Police Investigation and Legal Implications
Police sources familiar with the case revealed that all girls involved, including the Hindu girl, are believed to be minors and are friends. "That afternoon, they were on their way to a restaurant which passes by the victim's brother's shop. They didn't want him to know about it. Fearful of getting caught, the Hindu girl may have worn her friends' burqa," a police officer disclosed.
The officer emphasized that due to the sensitive nature of the matter, local police registered the case based on the family's complaint. "Further investigation is underway to determine the backgrounds of the young girls and their potential motives behind this incident," the officer added.
Since the accused are minors, police clarified that they cannot be immediately taken into custody. However, if found guilty under this stringent law, especially with the victim being a minor, the accused face severe penalties. The punishment includes rigorous imprisonment for a term not less than 5 years and potentially extending up to 14 years.
Community and Legal Context
This case highlights the ongoing enforcement of Uttar Pradesh's controversial anti-conversion legislation, which has been at the center of numerous legal and social debates. The law aims to prevent unlawful religious conversions through various means, and this incident demonstrates its application in situations involving minors.
Authorities continue their investigation while balancing legal procedures with the sensitive age of those involved. The case has drawn attention to interfaith relationships among youth in the region and the legal ramifications under current state laws.
