Police in Uttar Pradesh's Shamli district have arrested a woman and her father following allegations by a local businessman that his son was trapped into a relationship and forcibly converted to another religion. The arrests have brought the issue of unlawful religious conversion back into the spotlight, with authorities invoking multiple legal provisions.
Details of the Case
The First Information Report (FIR), filed by the businessman, names nine individuals, including a woman gym trainer, her father, and a maulvi (Islamic cleric). The complainant alleges that his son was emotionally manipulated through a romantic relationship, which culminated in marriage and religious conversion. Subsequently, the accused allegedly attempted to extort money from the family through blackmail.
Police have invoked sections of the Indian Penal Code related to cheating, forgery, criminal intimidation, and specific provisions under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. The law mandates strict penalties for conversions carried out through misrepresentation, force, or fraudulent means.
Arrests and Investigation
Shamli Superintendent of Police confirmed that the woman and her father were taken into custody on Sunday. They are being questioned to ascertain the roles of other accused individuals. A search is underway for the remaining seven suspects, including the maulvi who allegedly performed the conversion ceremony.
Police have also seized mobile phones and documents to gather evidence of the alleged conspiracy. Authorities are examining chat records and financial transactions to establish the sequence of events.
Political and Social Reactions
The case has triggered sharp reactions from political parties and social organizations. Ruling party leaders have praised the police for swift action, citing the need to protect vulnerable individuals from forced conversions. Opposition parties, however, have questioned the timing of the arrests and called for a fair investigation without communal overtones.
Local religious leaders have urged restraint, emphasizing that no community should be targeted based on the actions of a few individuals. Social activists have highlighted the need for counseling and legal aid for the victim and his family.
Legal Context
The Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, makes it illegal to convert someone through misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement, or fraud. Convictions can lead to imprisonment up to ten years and fines up to Rs 50,000. The law also requires prior notice to the district magistrate for any religious conversion.
Legal experts point out that the burden of proof lies on the accused to demonstrate that the conversion was voluntary. In this case, the businessman's son has reportedly stated that he converted willingly, but police are investigating whether coercion was involved.
The investigation is ongoing, and police have appealed to the public not to spread rumors. Further arrests are expected as the probe deepens.
