Ghar Wapsi in Madhya Pradesh: 30 Muslims embrace Sanatana Dharma, including 14 women

A case of 30 Muslims leaving Islam and adopting Sanatana Dharma has come to light in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Sam Pawari, president of the social organisation Saajha Sanskriti Manch, has said that these 30 people have done Ghar Wapsi by voluntarily converting to Sanatana Dharma under the rules of the Madhya Pradesh Religious Freedom Act 2021, these include 14 women.

According to Pawari, those who have done ghar wapsi, their ancestors were from Indore and other districts of western Madhya Pradesh and they were Hindus. The process of adopting Sanatana Dharma took place at the famous Khajrana Ganesh Mandir of Indore.

A religious ceremony was performed at Ganesh Mandir where the Muslims adopted Sanatan Dharma. After doing Ghar Wapsi at the religious ceremony at the Ganesh mandir, 58-year old Jamir bi is now known as Jamuna Bai, 34-years Nilofer Sheikh is now Nikita another 34-years old Aksher Sheikh is Akanasha. The head of Vishva Hindu Parishad of Malwa area has said that all the Muslims who are giving up Islam and adopting Sanatan Dharma are doing Ghar Wapsi. There is a boy named Rohit who was previously Hindu but had adopted the Muslim religion some time ago; now, he has returned to Sanathana Dharma and has done ghar wapsi. Apart from Indore, people from the near by areas have also done ghar wapsi. On April 27, at Khajrana’s Ganesh Mandir, nine Muslims gave up Islam and did Ghar wapsi. They did ghar wapsi by taking the holy Ganga water and gau mutra (Cow urine). Those who reverted to Sanatan Dharma and did ghar wapsi, six people were from Indore and the other 3 were from Madasore. Though these people did ghar wapsi and adopted the Sanatan Dharma they had to face the wrath of the hardcore Islamists who threatened them with dire consequences.

Pwari added that these Muslims who have done ghar wapsi have also submitted an affidavit to the district administration to convert voluntarily under the Madhya Pradesh Religious Freedom Act 2021. However, the DCP of the area has said that we have received information about 28 people participating in the ritual of converting to religion at Khajrana Ganesh Mandir on their own will.

The police have confirmed that no information has been received suggesting that anyone has changed religion due to pressure or greed. If the police receive any such complaint, appropriate legal steps will be taken. The Madhya Pradesh Government had made the ‘Religious Freedom Act 2021’ to ban forced or fraudulent conversion and greed. Under this, if found guilty, there is a provision of imprisonment up to 10 years and fine up to one lakh rupees.