Muslim woman who left her faith for love faces mob attack after eight years of marriage
Team Clarion
LUCKNOW – Naghma, a Muslim woman who converted to Hinduism to marry Kamal Kashyap eight years ago, is now facing the wrath of both communities. On 10 January, a mob attacked their house, allegedly fuelled by rumours. The violent crowd attempted to harm the couple and their two children, raising concerns over the growing intolerance towards interfaith marriages in the region.
Gudiya, formerly Naghma, lives with her family in Gumthal village, which is within the Baniyathera police station limits of Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal. After embracing Hinduism and marrying Kamal, she adopted the name Gudiya and has been following Hindu customs. However, the interfaith union has made her family a target for those seeking to stoke communal discord.
Gudiya recounted the terrifying incident: “On 10th January, a mob surrounded our house, broke the door, and even jumped the walls to get in. They wanted to kill me, my husband, and my children. We managed to call the police, and the attackers fled when Dial 112 officers arrived. It was only by God’s grace that we survived.”
According to Gudiya, the mob included individuals from both Hindu and Muslim communities. “I recognised a few Muslims and many Hindus in the crowd. It’s shocking. Muslims are angry that I left Islam, but Hindus, who otherwise welcome women converting to their faith, are upset because I was a Muslim who married a Hindu,” she said.
The attack reportedly followed rumours accusing Kamal of selling illegal arms and being involved in land-grabbing activities — claims Gudiya strongly denies. “These false allegations are part of a plan to harm us. The Hindus in the area are inciting others, including Muslims, by questioning how a Muslim woman could marry a Hindu man,” she added.
The mob’s actions left the family deeply shaken, forcing them to seek refuge in a neighbour’s home during the attack. While Kamal has since been jailed on what Gudiya claims are fabricated charges, she continues to fight for justice. “I have appealed to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the DIG to protect my family and ensure our safety,” Gudiya stated.
Superintendent of Police Krishna Bishnoi confirmed that a case has been registered against eight unknown individuals, and an investigation is underway. “We are looking into the matter thoroughly, and justice will be ensured,” he assured.
This incident highlights the increasingly hostile environment for interfaith couples in India, where even long-standing marriages are being targeted. As Gudiya fights for her husband’s release and her family’s safety, her case underscores the urgent need for communal harmony and protection for vulnerable families caught in the crossfire of religious intolerance.
Gudiya’s plea echoes across the region: “We are just a family trying to live peacefully. Why can’t people let us be?”