A gruesome and calculated grooming racket has been busted in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, after police arrested Naveed alias Kasib Pathan, a man accused of impersonating a Hindu youth named Shiv Verma to trap, sexually exploit, and forcibly convert at least 18 Hindu girls. The case has triggered outrage across the region, with growing demands for a broader investigation into what appears to be a larger inter-district conversion syndicate.
The arrest followed a complaint lodged at Chauk Kotwali police station, where a young woman revealed disturbing details of her two-year relationship with the accused. Naveed reportedly created a fake identity on Instagram, presenting himself as a devout Hindu. He wore a kalava on his wrist, sported a tilak on his forehead, and frequently took oaths on Hindu deities to gain her trust.
According to the victim, what began as a romantic relationship soon turned into a horrifying ordeal of rape, religious coercion, and violence. When she discovered his real identity and confronted him, Naveed not only confessed but shockingly justified his actions by saying, “It is a righteous deed to trap Hindu girls.” He then assaulted her and began forcing her to convert to Islam.
The trauma escalated further when the girl found graphic images and videos on Naveed’s phone—evidence of him with multiple girls, possibly recorded without consent. He allegedly used these visuals to blackmail victims into silence or religious conversion.
Organised racket run with brother Kaif
As the investigation unfolded, police discovered that Naveed was not working alone. His brother Kaif, along with other family members, were complicit in the scheme. According to the victim’s complaint, Kaif also raped her, and the parents, Abba Alam and Uzma, and sister Saman aided in her exploitation.
In a particularly cruel twist, when the girl became pregnant, she was forced to undergo an abortion. Upon her refusal, Naveed allegedly kicked her in the stomach, leading to a miscarriage. This horrifying incident has been confirmed in the preliminary investigation report.
Digital trail and fake profiles
Police recovered four fake Instagram accounts operated by Naveed, containing over 1,900 photos, many with different girls. Authorities believe that these profiles were part of a systematic trap where girls were befriended, manipulated emotionally, and then victimised sexually and ideologically.
Superintendent of Police Ashok Kumar Meena confirmed that the accused confessed to targeting 18 Hindu girls using similar methods. Police are now checking if this racket has links to another recently busted grooming network in Balrampur, raising fears of a wider radicalisation and conversion ring.
Legal action and public reaction
A comprehensive FIR has been filed, naming Naveed, Kaif, and their parents and sister. Sections include rape, assault, miscarriage without consent, criminal conspiracy, religious conversion, and cybercrime. Naveed is currently in police custody, and further digital forensics and interrogation are underway to identify additional victims and co-conspirators.
The case has sparked anger across Shahjahanpur, with community leaders and women’s rights groups calling for stringent anti-grooming laws and fast-track trial. Locals staged a demonstration outside the police station demanding that the accused be charged under UP’s anti-conversion laws and tried under NSA (National Security Act).
Broader Implications
This case mirrors several grooming-related arrests in Uttar Pradesh over the past few years, often involving fake identities, targeted religious conversions, and online platforms. Many activists argue for stricter identity verification on social media, as well as greater awareness among youth to recognise digital grooming tactics.
As investigations deepen, Shahjahanpur remains on edge, waiting for justice to be delivered in a case that has shaken the conscience of a region and a nation, already grappling with rising incidents of interfaith grooming and coercion.
