Gujarat: Rukhsar takes son to parents and gets him circumcised without informing husband in an interfaith marriage

A startling case of unauthorised circumcision has emerged from Rajkot, plunging an interfaith couple into legal proceedings. The incident, which unfolded in Tulsi Park area near the Raya Telephone Exchange, involves a Hindu man whose 4-year-old son was circumcised without his consent by his Muslim wife, Rukhsar, and her family members.

The Hindu man, who has chosen to remain unnamed, revealed to local authorities that his interfaith love story with Rukhsar began in 2018, culminating in marriage. The couple, who share a son born from this union, were living what appeared to be a harmonious life until the incident on December 21, 2024, when the father was away for work for a week.

Upon his return, he was met with an unexpected and distressing scenario when his young son voiced complaints of pain in his private areas. Upon inspection, the father discovered leaves wrapped around the child’s genitals, a traditional post-circumcision practice in some Muslim communities. Confronted, Rukhsar admitted to having the procedure carried out in his absence, assisted by her mother.

The matter escalated as the husband rushed to the university police station to lodge a formal complaint. He accused Rukhsar, her mother, the unnamed doctor who allegedly performed the circumcision, and a member of Jameat-e-Islami of conducting this religious rite without his knowledge or consent.

The police have confirmed they are actively investigating the case, but no arrests have been made at this stage.

The Hindu man expressed his distress, emphasising that he believed the son should follow the father’s religion post-marriage, thereby deeming the circumcision an act against his rights as a parent. He further accused his wife of verbal abuse and disrespect during the confrontation. Adding to the complexity of the situation, Rukhsar has reportedly left with their son, and the father claims to have received threats from his mother-in-law.

This incident has sparked a debate on religious practices, consent in interfaith marriages, and the rights of both parents in decisions affecting their children’s religious upbringing.