Five Students Booked Under UP's Anti-Conversion Act in Moradabad
In a significant development in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, police have registered a case against five students under the state's Anti-Conversion Act. The incident involves allegations that these students, belonging to a minority community, attempted to persuade a minor girl from another community to wear a burqa.
Details of the Incident
According to police reports, the incident occurred while the girls were returning home from their tuition centre, where they all studied together. The matter came to light after a purported video of the event surfaced on social media platforms, prompting immediate attention from authorities.
Additional Superintendent of Police, Moradabad, Kunwar Akash Singh, stated that the entire incident was captured on a CCTV camera installed in the area. Preliminary investigations suggest that the victim and the accused girls were already acquainted, as they attended the same coaching centre. This familiarity appears to have played a role in the unfolding of events.
Police Action and Investigation
Acting on a complaint lodged by the minor girl's brother, police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the five students under relevant sections of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act. The brother alleged that his sister was pressured by the group to wear a burqa, raising serious concerns about religious coercion.
Police officials have confirmed that no arrests have been made so far in connection with the case. However, they have initiated a detailed investigation to ascertain the full facts. The identity of one of the accused girls, whose name appears in the FIR, has been verified, while efforts are ongoing to trace and locate the remaining four girls mentioned in the complaint.
Broader Implications
This case highlights the ongoing enforcement of Uttar Pradesh's stringent anti-conversion laws, which aim to prevent unlawful religious conversions. The incident in Moradabad underscores the sensitivity and legal complexities surrounding such matters, particularly when they involve minors and educational settings.
Authorities are urging the public to refrain from speculation and allow the investigation to proceed without interference. The police have assured that all aspects of the case will be thoroughly examined to ensure justice is served.
