Second Minor Accused Detained in UP Conversion Case, Sent to Juvenile Home
In a significant development in the Moradabad conversion case, police have detained a second accused, aged 17, and sent him to a juvenile home in Noida. The case involves serious allegations that a Hindu girl was coerced into wearing a burqa and pressured to convert her religion, according to official statements made on Sunday.
Chronology of the Case and Previous Arrest
This latest detention follows the earlier arrest of a 17-year-old girl in the same case on March 27. The case dates back to December 12 of last year, when the alleged incident occurred. Police registered a formal case after receiving a complaint from the brother of the Class 12 student involved.
The First Information Report (FIR) was filed under section 3 of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act against five Muslim girls, all aged between 15 and 17 years. This legal framework is designed to prevent forced religious conversions in the state.
Police Procedures and Judicial Process
SP Rural Kunwar Akash Singh provided details about the judicial handling of the minor accused. "The minor girl was produced in juvenile court before being sent to the facility," Singh told reporters, emphasizing the proper legal protocols followed in such sensitive cases involving minors.
Police sources familiar with the investigation revealed that the accused girls and the Hindu girl were friends. According to their account, on the afternoon of December 12, the group was heading to a restaurant when their path crossed near the victim's brother's shop. "Fearful of getting caught, the Hindu girl may have worn the burqa," explained one police officer with knowledge of the case details.
Complainant's Account and Allegations
The brother who filed the police complaint shared his concerns with media outlets. "My sister was talking to one of the girls whom she'd met about two months back and had been going out with regularly," he stated. "These five girls who took away my sister in burqa may have had some ill intention. So, I approached police."
His statement forms the basis of the allegations that the Hindu girl was pressured into wearing Islamic attire and potentially coerced toward religious conversion, though police investigations continue to examine all aspects of the case.
Legal Framework and Ongoing Investigation
The Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, under which the case has been registered, represents the state's legislative effort to curb forced religious conversions. The detention of the second minor accused indicates that police are pursuing all leads in this sensitive matter.
Authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the December incident, examining the relationships between the individuals involved and the specific allegations of coercion. The case has drawn attention to issues of religious freedom and protection of minors in sensitive interfaith situations.
