Police claim forced conversion by girlfriend and her family; Case registered Under 2021 Anti-Conversion Act
Team Clarion
BIJNOR — In a controversial case from Bijnor district, Uttar Pradesh, a Hindu youth’s alleged conversion to Islam before marriage has led to the arrest of five individuals, including a Qazi and the youth’s Muslim girlfriend. The incident, which took place in the Purana Dhampur area, has sparked debate over the implementation of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021.
According to the police, the complaint was filed by Jaswant Singh, a resident of Purana Dhampur, who accused his son Mukul’s girlfriend, Saima, and her family of forcibly converting his son to Islam. SSP Dharm Singh Marchal stated, “The complainant’s son, Mukul, was in love with Saima, a Muslim girl from Nai Sarai Mohalla. While both wanted to marry, Saima refused to accept Hinduism and instead pressured Mukul to convert to Islam.”
The SSP further elaborated that Mukul’s father alleged that Saima, her parents Shahid and Rukhsana, and two Qazis — Maulana Irshad and Maulana Gufran — were involved in the forced conversion. “On Saturday night, they took Mukul to a madrasa, where he was converted and subsequently married to Saima,” Marchal added.
A case has been registered under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, which carries 3 to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹50,000. All five accused were arrested on Sunday and sent to jail.
This case has reignited discussions about the selective application of the anti-conversion law. Since its enactment in 2021, the law has predominantly been used against Muslim men accused of converting Hindu women. However, cases involving Hindu men and Muslim women rarely see similar action.
A local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, commented, “There are many interfaith marriages where the girl is Muslim and the boy is Hindu, but no action is taken even if the girl’s family complains. The law seems to be applied unevenly.”
The Muslim community has repeatedly raised concerns about the law’s implementation, alleging bias. “When a Muslim girl marries a Hindu boy of her own will, it’s called love. But when a Hindu girl marries a Muslim boy, it’s called conversion,” said a community leader.
