Varanasi: The Rajatalab police on Friday arrested a man on charges of allegedly attempting to induce religious conversion through monetary enticement. The accused, identified as Israil (35), came under police scrutiny after a local resident lodged a complaint alleging that Israil and his associates had tried to persuade the complainant’s married sister to convert her religion by offering financial inducements and proposing marriage.
Details of the Complaint
According to the complaint, when the family opposed the alleged attempt, Israil and one of his associates allegedly entered the complainant’s house and assaulted him and his family members. Based on the complaint, the police registered a case and arrested the accused.
Legal Action Taken
After the initial investigation, police lodged a named FIR against Israil under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 87 (kidnapping), 191(2) (rioting), 191(3), 333 (house trespass), 115(2) (voluntary causing hurt), 109 (attempt to murder), 309(6) (robbery), and 351(3) (criminal intimidation). Additionally, relevant sections of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act-2021 were invoked.
Arrest and Confession
After learning that a case had been registered against him, Israil allegedly fled his residence in Shahanshahpur. Acting on a tip-off from informers, police apprehended him near the railway station. During questioning, Israil admitted that he and his associates had attempted to persuade the woman to convert her religion and elope with him for marriage, according to police sources.
Rajatalab police station in-charge Dayaram confirmed the arrest and stated that further investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the other associates involved in the case.
