The week of February 16 to February 22, 2026, witnessed 35 reported incidents across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Kerala, Telangana, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, as well as neighbouring Nepal and Bangladesh. These cases included allegations of religious coercion, forced conversions involving minors and women, temple vandalism, stone-pelting during religious processions, controversial political remarks, and objectionable social media content targeting Hindu sentiments.
In several instances, FIRs were registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, respective State Freedom of Religion Acts, the POCSO Act, and the Information Technology Act. Arrests were made in certain cases, while others remain under investigation or are currently sub judice. Authorities in affected regions imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 where necessary and deployed additional security forces to prevent escalation.
The recurrence of such incidents underscores continuing communal sensitivities and the importance of vigilant legal oversight. As investigations proceed through due process, Organiser, committed to its role as the Voice of the Nation, continues to chronicle each development with documentation, scrutiny, and accountability. The detailed account of all 35 cases reported this week is presented below.
February 16, 2026
1. Minor Hindu Students Allege Abuse and Religious Coercion by Principal in Rampur School; Accused Arrested
An incident involving allegations of abuse and religious coercion against minor Hindu students at St. Francis School in Khuntakheda village of Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, came to light on February 16, 2026. The case was registered after parents and community members raised concerns regarding the conduct of the school’s principal, Arisheril Joseph. Police subsequently arrested the accused based on complaints filed by parents. The investigation was ongoing at the time of reporting.
According to statements made by parents and students, several minor Hindu students alleged that the principal summoned them to his office under the pretext of disciplinary action and subjected them to inappropriate conduct, intimidation, and coercion. Students stated that they were isolated and threatened, and that punitive measures were used if they resisted or attempted to disclose the incidents. Parents further alleged that religious pressure was exerted on Hindu children within the school environment and that teachings of a particular faith were being imposed.
Families stated that the atmosphere created fear and distress among students, with some reportedly discontinuing attendance due to apprehension. They also alleged that the accused used his position of authority to suppress complaints and continue the alleged misconduct.
2. Hindu Woman Alleges Sexual Exploitation and Coercion for Conversion by Shakeel Ahmed
An adult Hindu woman in Khatima, Uttarakhand, filed a complaint alleging sexual exploitation and coercion for religious conversion against Shakeel Ahmed, a resident of Baghouri, Sitarganj. The case came to light following police action on February 16, 2026, and remains sub-judice.
In her complaint, the woman stated that the accused engaged in physical sexual exploitation and pressured her to convert to Islam. She further alleged that he tampered with her Aadhaar card by placing his wife’s photograph on it. According to the complaint, when her elder sister confronted him over the matter, he physically assaulted her. Both women involved in the case are adults.
Based on the complaint lodged at the local police station in Khatima, authorities registered a case under Sections 64, 77, 78, 351(2), 329(4), and 115(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with provisions of the Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion Act. The investigation was assigned to Sub-Inspector Priyanka Tamta at Nankmatta police station.
3. Durg: 52-Year-Old Hindu Woman Alleges Assault and Coercion for Conversion by Son
A 52-year-old Hindu woman, Saroj Verma, filed a complaint in Durg district, Chhattisgarh, alleging that her son, Hoshang Verma, pressured and assaulted her in an attempt to force her to convert to Christianity. The incident occurred in the Risali area under Nevai police station limits, and the complaint was lodged on February 16, 2026. The accused was arrested and the investigation remains ongoing.
In her complaint, Saroj Verma stated that her son had converted to Christianity and subsequently began pressuring her to adopt the same faith. She alleged that he repeatedly coerced her to convert and, upon her refusal, verbally abused her, physically assaulted her, and threatened to kill her. She further stated that he vandalised household property, removed and threw away idols of Hindu deities kept in the home, and disrupted ongoing religious worship. According to the complaint, the repeated intimidation created an atmosphere of fear within the household.
Following a preliminary inquiry, police registered a case under Sections 298 and 299 of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 3 and 4 of the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, 1968. After gathering prima facie evidence, Nevai police arrested Hoshang Verma within 24 hours of the complaint being filed and produced him before a court.
Police confirmed the arrest and stated that further investigation into the allegations is in progress.
4. Uttar Pradesh: Temple Vandalised, Sacred Items Damaged After Akhand Ramayan Paath in Budaun
A Hindu temple in Keli village under Kunwargaon police station limits in Budaun district, Uttar Pradesh, was vandalised shortly after the conclusion of an Akhand Ramayan Paath on February 16, 2026. Two men identified as Amanesh and his brother Rajkumar, both residents of the same village, were accused of creating a disturbance and damaging religious and related items at the temple premises. The case is currently sub-judice.
According to media reports, the religious programme was conducted peacefully throughout the day with devotional songs, prayers, and rituals. The recitation concluded in the evening, followed by distribution of prasad. Shortly after the ceremony ended, the two accused allegedly arrived at the temple in an intoxicated state and began creating a ruckus.
Villagers stated that the accused overturned the Vyas Gaddi, the sacred seat used for recitation of scriptures during the programme. They also allegedly vandalised a generator and electrical lights arranged for the event. The disturbance created chaos at the temple premises, and those present managed to control the situation with difficulty.
5. Texas Journalist’s Social Media Posts Mock Hanuman Statue in Sugar Land, Draw Objections from Hindu Community
A social media post by an American journalist based in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 16, 2026, drew objections from members of the Hindu community after he made remarks about Hindus and a statue of Lord Hanuman installed in Sugar Land, Texas. The case status remains unknown.
In August 2024, the Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land installed a 90-foot bronze statue of Lord Hanuman, referred to as the “Statue of Union.” The statue became one of the tallest statues in the United States and is regarded by members of the local Hindu community as a symbol of faith and cultural heritage.
On February 16, 2026, the journalist, identified as Carlos Turcios, posted on X referring to Hindus as “third-world aliens” and questioned the presence of the Hanuman statue in Texas. In his post, he wrote that Sugar Land was not Islamabad or New Delhi and asked why the statue was among the largest in the United States. The remarks were widely shared and prompted reactions from social media users.
6. Mira-Bhayandar: Hindu Woman Alleges Forced Conversion, Rape and Assault by Husband and In-Laws; FIR Registered
A Hindu woman from the Kashimira area of Mira-Bhayandar, Mumbai, has filed a complaint alleging forced religious conversion, rape, physical assault, mental harassment, and a forced miscarriage by her husband, Atif Tashe, and his parents, Gulshan Tashe and Arif Tashe. The matter came to light on February 16, 2026, following the registration of a First Information Report under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The case is currently under investigation.
According to the complaint, the woman stated that she was pressured to convert to Islam after her marriage to Atif Tashe. She alleged that from the beginning of the marriage, she faced continuous coercion to abandon her Hindu faith and offer Namaz. When she refused, she was subjected to physical assault, verbal abuse, and mental harassment by her husband and in-laws. She further stated that despite her resistance, she was eventually forced to convert through sustained pressure and violence.
The complainant also alleged that her husband raped her during the marriage and subjected her to ongoing physical abuse. She stated that the combined abuse by her husband and in-laws led to the loss of her pregnancy, resulting in significant physical and emotional trauma. The complaint further mentioned continuous intimidation within the household.
Based on her statement, police at Kashimira registered an FIR against Atif Tashe, Gulshan Tashe, and Arif Tashe under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to rape, assault, forced religious conversion, and other offences. Police recorded the victim’s detailed statement and initiated an investigation, including examination of medical and forensic evidence.
February 17, 2026
7. Hindu Deities Allegedly Denigrated During Satsang in Bikaner Village; Police Register Case After Protests
A controversy erupted in Mundad village of Bikaner district after a singer identified as Prabhu Premi allegedly made derogatory remarks about Hindu deities during a satsang held on 17 February 2026.
According to media reports, the accused is said to have made objectionable comments referring to Lord Ram, Mother Shabari, Goddess Saraswati and Lord Vishnu during the religious gathering. The remarks reportedly triggered strong objections from members of the Hindu saint community and local Hindu organisations.
On 24 February 2026, saints and members of Hindu organisations reached the Shri Balaji police station demanding the immediate arrest of the accused. They also warned of an indefinite sit-in protest if action was not taken. Protesters alleged that the station in-charge, Om Prakash Gora, initially hesitated to register the complaint, which further heightened tensions.
8. RSS Shakha at Andhra University Disrupted; Activists Injured, “Hindus Are Terrorists” Slogans Raised
A shakha conducted by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at Andhra University in Visakhapatnam was disrupted on the evening of 17 February 2026, leading to clashes between student groups and injuries to several participants.
According to reports, the shakha began around 6:30 pm near the university’s basketball court and was nearing conclusion when nearly twenty students, stated to be associated with the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and the All India Students’ Federation (AISF), reached the spot.
Eyewitness accounts state that slogans such as “RSS go back”, “VC down down” and “Hindus are terrorists” were raised. A confrontation followed between the two groups. The situation escalated into a physical clash in which RSS swayamsevaks were allegedly attacked. Some sustained injuries and were shifted to King George Hospital for treatment.
A complaint was lodged at the local police station by members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), who submitted details of the incident along with names of individuals they alleged were involved. They demanded strict legal action against those responsible.
On 18 February 2026, protests were held on campus. ABVP members submitted a representation to university authorities seeking action and enhanced security for students.
9. Tribal Hindu Family in Keonjhar Alleges Coercive Conversion by Missionaries After Personal Tragedy
Six members of a tribal Hindu family in Kendujhar district of Odisha have alleged that they were converted to Christianity nearly a decade ago under psychological pressure during a period of deep personal distress.
According to media reports, the family belongs to the Ho tribe and resides in Bargoth village under Kathkatha panchayat in Anandpur block. The conversion reportedly followed the death of Nitima Ho’s husband, which left the family emotionally devastated.
Family members stated that Christian pastors began visiting their residence soon after the bereavement. They alleged that the pastors told Nitima Ho that further misfortune, including potential harm to her children, could occur if she continued practising Hinduism. Christianity was presented to them as a refuge that would ensure protection and safety.
10. Mob Vandalises Idols at Shri Shivnath Mandir in Muzaffarnagar; Priest, Sevadar Assaulted
A Hindu temple in Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh was allegedly attacked by a mob on the night of 17 February 2026, resulting in vandalism of idols and assault on the temple priest and a sevadar.
The incident took place at Shri Shivnath Mandir in Harsauli village under Shahpur tehsil. According to the complaint filed by Mahant Pushkar Nath, the temple priest, the disturbance began around 8 pm, shortly after evening aarti had concluded and devotees had dispersed.
Police records state that three individuals identified as Sohanbir alias Pintu, Ajay, and Arun alias Kalua allegedly arrived at the temple in an intoxicated state and attempted to enter. When they were denied entry, they called out to the sevadar. As per the complaint, the sevadar was allegedly abducted to a secluded spot and assaulted.
Mahant Pushkar Nath, who had stepped out to distribute prasad in the village, returned to the temple upon receiving information about the incident. Soon after, the accused allegedly returned with a group of approximately 25 to 30 people. The mob reportedly beat the sevadar again in front of the priest.
During the disturbance, idols of Kartikeya and Nandi inside the temple were found damaged. An attempt was also allegedly made to damage the main idol of Lord Shiva. CCTV footage from the temple premises reportedly captured visuals of a group dragging and assaulting the sevadar.
February 18, 2026
11. DMK MP T. M. Selvaganapathy Faces Backlash After Remarks on Hindu Mantras in Tamil Nadu
A political controversy has emerged in Tamil Nadu after T. M. Selvaganapathy, Member of Parliament from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, recited Hindu mantras during a public address and subsequently remarked that neither he nor the audience understood their meaning.
During his speech, Selvaganapathy chanted Sanskrit verses dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha, including the Rudra Gayatri and a Ganapathy mantra. He recited: “Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dheemahi Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat… Shivaya Namah… Om Shivaya Namah… Om Shiva Shiva Shiva Om…” and “Ekandaya Vidhmaye Vakratundaya Dheemahi Tanno Danti Prachodayat… Om Shreem Kreem Kling Ganapathaye Vara Varada Sarvajanam Me Vashamanaya Swaha…”
After reciting the chants, he stated, “What I said – I don’t understand it, you don’t understand it either.”
A video of the speech circulated widely on social media platforms, drawing reactions from sections of the Hindu community. Several devotees, religious organisations, and commentators criticised the remarks, stating that the chants hold deep spiritual significance in Hindu worship and should be treated with respect.
12. Prayer Meeting in Garhwa Sparks Allegations of Conversion Attempts in Jharkhand Village
Allegations of religious conversion attempts surfaced in Garhwa district of Jharkhand after a gathering described as a prayer meeting was held at a private residence on 18 February 2026.
According to local accounts, a large number of people had assembled at the residence of Ajay Yadav, a resident of Kailan, located in a residential complex in the township area. Villagers alleged that the gathering was being used to influence and encourage Hindu attendees, including sick individuals, to adopt Christianity under the guise of prayer.
On receiving information, Assistant Sub-Inspector Ashutosh Sinha from Bhawanathpur police station reached the spot along with a police team. During the inspection, religious books were found at the premises. Reports stated that key participants associated with the event had left before the police arrived.
Ajay Yadav and his wife told authorities that they had previously suffered from serious illnesses and had recovered after participating in Christian prayers. They said this experience prompted them to organise the meeting.
It was reported that Ajay Yadav had obtained written permission from Kailan Panchayat head Sukni Devi to conduct a prayer meeting at his residence on 17 and 18 February 2026. However, the permission had been granted for Kailan Panchayat, while the gathering took place in the Cell Township area under Sinduria Panchayat jurisdiction.
February 19, 2026
13. Kerala Minister V. Sivankutty’s Social Media Remark Sparks Row Amid Debate Over The Kerala Story 2
A political controversy unfolded in Kerala on 19 February 2026 after General Education Minister V. Sivankutty posted a remark on social media that drew criticism from sections of the Hindu community.
In a Facebook post written in Malayalam, Sivankutty stated that while some may choose to “eat cow dung,” people in Kerala would eat what they preferred, including beef, mutton and chicken. The comment surfaced amid public debate surrounding the upcoming film The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond.
The remark quickly gained traction online and triggered reactions from various quarters. Critics described the statement as insensitive and said it amounted to mocking Hindu beliefs, particularly sentiments associated with the cow, which holds religious significance in Hindu tradition.
14. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s Remarks on The Kerala Story 2 Trigger Political Row
A political debate intensified in Kerala after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticised the upcoming film The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond, calling it “hate-mongering” and driven by a communal agenda.
In a post shared on X on 19 February 2026, Vijayan stated that reports about the sequel’s release should be viewed with seriousness. Referring to the first instalment, he wrote that Kerala had already “seen through the communal agenda and blatant lies” and would once again reject attempts to “demonise our secular fabric.” He further said that fabricated narratives aimed at inciting communal discord were being given space, while other artistic expressions faced restrictions.
15. Wedding Procession Clash in Rautahat: Violence Erupts Near Mosque in Sabgadha Village
Tensions flared in Sabgadha village of Rautahat district in Nepal’s Narayani Zone after a dispute between members of Hindu and Muslim communities escalated into violence during a wedding procession on 19 February 2026.
According to local reports, a Hindu wedding procession accompanied by traditional music and a DJ system was passing through the area when it moved near a mosque where evening prayers were underway. Members of the Muslim community objected to the music, stating that it disrupted prayers. A verbal confrontation followed, which escalated into physical assault on members of the DJ team accompanying the procession.
By the following morning, 20 February 2026, tensions reignited, leading to stone-pelting and brick-hurling between groups from both communities. The situation deteriorated rapidly, prompting intervention from security forces.
Authorities deployed more than 250 personnel, including members of Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force, and the Nepali Army, to contain the unrest. Dozens of tear gas shells were fired to disperse the clashing groups and restore order. Senior security officials reached the site to supervise operations.
16. Two Women Removed from Gumla Sadar Hospital After Alleged Religious Outreach in Patient Ward
An incident at Gumla Sadar Hospital in Gumla district of Jharkhand on 19 February 2026 led to administrative intervention after two women were found encouraging patients to attend a religious gathering described as a “Changhai sabha.”
According to reports, the two women entered a patient ward during the afternoon and moved from bed to bed, speaking with patients and their relatives. They allegedly encouraged those undergoing treatment to attend a healing prayer meeting, presenting participation as a means to obtain relief from illness.
Several patients and attendants objected, stating that religious activities were inappropriate within a medical facility and interfered with patient care. As objections intensified, hospital authorities were informed. Staff members reached the ward, questioned the women, counselled them and escorted them out of the premises.
Hospital management clarified that no permission had been granted for conducting any religious or promotional activity inside the campus. Officials reiterated that the hospital is strictly designated for medical treatment and recovery.
17. Stone-Pelting on Shivaji Jayanti Procession Near Mosque in Bagalkot, One Injured
A Hindu religious procession marking the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was allegedly stone-pelted near a mosque in Bagalkot town of Karnataka on February 19, 2026, leading to injuries and imposition of prohibitory orders in parts of the district.
The procession was organised on the occasion of Shivaji Jayanti by members of the Maratha community. It commenced from the Amba Bhavani temple at the fort and proceeded through the main road to Basaveshwara Circle, Vallabhbhai Chowk and towards the fort area. When the procession reached Killa Oni and was passing near a mosque, stones and slippers were allegedly hurled at participants, triggering panic and tension in the locality.
18. Aarti Disrupted as Temple Near Mosque Vandalised in Jabalpur’s Sihora; Stone-Pelting Triggers Tension
Tension prevailed in Sihora town of Jabalpur district, Madhya Pradesh, on the night of February 19, 2026, after a Hindu temple located opposite a mosque was allegedly vandalised during evening aarti, followed by stone-pelting and a clash between two groups.
According to information, the incident occurred between 9:00 pm and 9:30 pm at a Durga temple in Sihora while evening aarti was underway. At the same time, namaz was being offered at a mosque situated directly opposite the temple. During this period, a Muslim youth allegedly entered the temple premises and damaged an iron grill inside the complex, leading to a confrontation with devotees present at the site.
Devotees intervened and apprehended the youth. Soon after, several Muslim men gathered at the spot and entered the temple vicinity. The situation escalated into a physical altercation between the two sides, during which stone-pelting was reported. The clash continued for nearly ten minutes, creating panic in the locality, which is considered sensitive due to the close proximity of the temple and mosque.
Preliminary investigation suggested that the altercation may have been linked to the playing of music at the temple.
February 20, 2026
19. Hindu Wedding in Ahmedabad Disrupted After Stone-Pelting Over Bhajans During Ramadan
A Hindu wedding ceremony was disrupted in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on February 20, 2026, after a dispute over the playing of religious songs escalated into stone-pelting and physical assault, police said.
According to reports, the incident took place at Vande Mataram Party Plot near Shaharkotda Voranagar Roza in the Potlia Char Rasta area. Members of the Muslim community residing nearby allegedly objected to the playing of mangal geet and bhajans dedicated to Lord Ram during the wedding ceremony, citing the ongoing month of Ramadan.
The objection led to a verbal altercation between members of the two communities. The situation soon escalated, with a group allegedly pelting stones at the wedding gathering. Attendees, including women, were assaulted during the incident. Several vehicles parked at the venue were also vandalised.
Some of the victims stated that members of the opposing group told them that the locality was a “Muslim area” and that religious bhajans should not be played there during Ramadan. The violence disrupted the wedding proceedings, and the ceremony was eventually called off. Police were informed and reached the spot to bring the situation under control.
20. Shivalinga and Trident Damaged in Temple Vandalism in Raebareli; Accused Arrested
A Hindu temple was allegedly vandalised in Hamirpur village of Raebareli district, Uttar Pradesh, on the night of February 20, 2026. The sacred Shivalinga was found damaged and a trident placed near it was broken, police said.
According to officials and members of the temple committee, the accused, identified as Kuldeep Yadav alias Ram Uzair (26), son of Babu Lal, allegedly entered the temple late at night. CCTV footage reportedly showed him uprooting the trident placed near the Shivalinga and throwing it at the structure, which broke the damru attached to it. He then allegedly struck the Shivalinga multiple times with the broken trident, causing visible cracks and damage.
The incident came to light on the morning of February 21, when devotees and temple authorities arrived for daily rituals and found the Shivalinga damaged. The broken trident was lying nearby. Temple attendants raised an alarm, following which police were informed.
21. Indore Hindu Activist Receives Death Threat Over Opposition to Interfaith Conversions
A Hindu activist in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, was subjected to death threats on 20 February 2026, allegedly in connection with his sustained opposition to interfaith conversions and certain criminal activities in the city.
Mansingh Rajawat, state organisation minister of Karni Sena and a resident of Maruti Nagar under the jurisdiction of Hiranagar police station, received a threatening phone call late on Friday night from an unknown number. The caller first confirmed his identity, then allegedly abused him and issued explicit threats, stating that he and his children would be killed if he entered the Khajrana area of Indore. The threats were reportedly linked to his long-standing activism against what he described as coercive or deceptive interfaith relationships and his actions “against Muslims.”
Rajawat recorded the conversation on his mobile phone and shared the audio with senior members of his organisation and the police. Based on the recording and the mobile number used to place the call, police registered a case against an unidentified individual and began an investigation. Initial technical inquiry indicated that the number was registered in the name of Marhoof Qadri Mansuri, a resident of Mandsaur. Police examined mobile location data and call detail records as part of efforts to trace and apprehend the individual. According to the station in-charge of Hiranagar police station, a non-cognisable report was registered and further investigation was underway.
In his complaint, Rajawat stated that he had received threats in the past and that his residence had previously been targeted by unidentified persons. He linked the latest threat to his activism spanning over fifteen years opposing interfaith relationships that he termed deceptive, as well as to his recent actions against narcotics distribution in the Lasudia area, where he said he facilitated police action against a drug peddler. He also mentioned his involvement in supporting police proceedings in a molestation case in Tilak Nagar.
22. Married Woman from Nadia Alleges Rape by Man Who Posed as Hindu on Social Media
A married Hindu woman from Nadia district in West Bengal has alleged that she was raped by a man in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, after he befriended her on social media while posing as a Hindu. The accused, identified as Shahbaz, was arrested on 20 February 2026 following her complaint to the police.
According to the woman’s statement, she came into contact with the accused on Facebook, where he introduced himself as Sameer Raj. Over time, a friendship developed between them. The woman, who is married and has an eight-year-old son, later travelled by train from West Bengal to Muzaffarpur in mid-February 2026 with her child to meet him.
Upon arrival at the railway station, she contacted him. Instead of taking her directly to his residence, he reportedly kept her and her son in his vehicle and drove around the city. At one point, he left her son with his driver while continuing to accompany her. It was during this time that the driver informed her that “Sameer Raj” was not his real name and that his actual name was Shahbaz, and that he was married.
The woman told police that after learning of his identity, Shahbaz took her to a room in Muzaffarpur where he allegedly raped her. She further stated that he later demanded money from her husband and coerced her into arranging a Unified Payments Interface transfer of Rs 10,000, which was carried out before she lost consciousness due to exhaustion, hunger, and thirst.
When she regained consciousness, she and her child were found in or near a private hospital in Muzaffarpur. She was subsequently admitted to Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital for medical care and evaluation. After becoming lucid, she provided a detailed statement to the local police outlining the events.
Acting on her complaint, Muzaffarpur police arrested Shahbaz on 20 February 2026. Authorities confirmed that the accused was taken into custody and placed in judicial custody as part of the ongoing investigation.
23. Dalit Woman in Baghpat Alleges Seven Months of Rape, Casteist Abuse and Threats
A Hindu woman from the Dalit community in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, has alleged that two Muslim men lured her into a relationship and raped her repeatedly over a period of seven months, while also subjecting her to caste-based abuse. The complaint was filed on 20 February 2026 at the office of the Superintendent of Police, following which an investigation was initiated.
The victim, a resident of the Chandinagar area of Baghpat, stated in her complaint that the two men drew her into a romantic relationship and sexually assaulted her multiple times during the seven-month period. She further alleged that they used caste-based slurs against her during this time. She also named another Muslim man, identified as Javed, accusing him of using casteist language and pressuring her to settle the matter.
According to her statement, the accused recorded an obscene video of her and threatened to circulate it online. She alleged that she was financially exploited and robbed of more than Rs 1,65,000 as well as her gold earrings.
The woman also referred to an earlier complaint in which she had accused the same two men of arriving at her home with a country-made pistol, demanding jewellery and threatening to kill her brother and other family members. Police had registered that case and begun an investigation.
24. Kamareddy Tensions After Woman Playing Durga Bhajan Abused, Brother Assaulted
Communal tension broke out in Banswara area of Kamareddy district, Telangana, on 20 February 2026 after a Hindu woman was allegedly abused for playing a bhajan dedicated to Durga Devi, followed by an assault on her brother and large-scale stone-pelting in the locality.
According to media reports, the incident began inside a Reliance Mart store where the woman played a devotional song. A Muslim employee, identified as Muzammil, objected and allegedly hurled abusive remarks at her for playing the religious song. The woman later informed her family about the altercation.
When her brother reached the spot to question the employee, he was allegedly attacked by a group of Muslim men said to be his supporters. The confrontation escalated, and residents stated that a crowd estimated at around 500 people gathered in the area. Stone-pelting was reported at roadside establishments and Hindu homes, leading to unrest in the locality.
Kamareddy Superintendent of Police M. Rajesh Chandra said the episode originated from an argument at the Reliance Mart between a customer and a salesgirl and was later viewed through a communal lens as the individuals belonged to different communities. He stated that a First Information Report was registered in connection with the alleged harassment of a salesgirl and that the accused was taken into custody. Police also detained individuals involved in the subsequent assault.
Based on CCTV footage, police identified 42 persons allegedly involved in stone-pelting and registered cases under serious sections of law.
25. Gurugram Villagers Object to Alleged Conversion Bid at Sohna Prayer Meeting
Communal tension was reported on 20 February 2026 in the Chungi No. 1 area of Sohna town in Gurugram district, Haryana, after local Hindu residents alleged that inducements were being offered for religious conversion during a prayer meeting held at a private residence.
According to reports, a gathering was organised near Toll No. 1 at the residence of a ward member identified as Munni. Villagers claimed that two Christian individuals, Tarun and Jyoti from Sunped village in Ballabhgarh, were conducting prayer meetings and attempting to influence Hindu residents, particularly women, to convert to Christianity. Residents alleged that inducements were being offered in exchange for conversion and that several women had already been converted through such meetings.
After receiving information about the gathering, a large number of villagers assembled at the spot and objected to the meeting. Locals, including residents identified as Harinder and Harpal, stated that they were seeking to safeguard their traditional beliefs and cultural practices and demanded that the meeting be stopped. They also warned that outsiders would not be permitted to enter the village to preach another faith.
The situation escalated into a protest, with villagers approaching the police to file a written complaint regarding alleged conversion activities taking place under the guise of prayer meetings. Tarun, however, maintained that he had only organised a prayer meeting and denied carrying out any conversions.
26. Muslim Man Arrested in Bhilai for Posting Allegedly Offensive Video Targeting Hinduism
Hindu religious sentiments were reportedly hurt in the Bhilai area of Durg district, Chhattisgarh, after a 48-year-old Muslim man, Nazrul Khan, allegedly posted a provocative and religiously offensive video on social media on February 20, 2026.
According to reports, the video contained derogatory remarks against Hinduism and the Hindu community, including the use of the expression “saffron terrorism.” It also incorporated edited footage of an earlier physical altercation, presented in a manner that, as per the complaint, could heighten communal tension. The content circulated widely on social media, raising concerns about its potential impact on public order and social harmony.
A written complaint was submitted at the Cantonment Police Station by Deepak Kumar Kulkarni. Members of the Chhattisgarh unit of Bajrang Dal also objected to the video, stating that it insulted Hindu religious sentiments and sought to spread animosity.
Acting on the complaint, the police registered a case under Sections 102-2026 and 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 67A of the Information Technology Act.
February 21, 2026
27. Barabanki NGO Operator Faces Death Threats and Stone Pelting After Exposing Alleged Conversion Network
An NGO operator in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, was subjected to alleged death threats, stalking and stone pelting on February 21, 2026, days after she exposed a network accused of religious conversion and sexual exploitation targeting Hindu women in Lucknow.
The victim, Ricksha Tufail, runs an NGO named Prahar Dowry and had been supporting victims in cases concerning conversion, rape and coercion allegedly linked to activities at Brown Glass Café in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow. Following her intervention and the registration of a case at Gomti Nagar police station, individuals identified as Qamar Hayat Idrisi, Zafar Hayat Idrisi, Qamar Jamal, Aamir Khan and others came under police scrutiny. Qamar Hayat Idrisi was arrested, while others were reported absconding at the time.
According to the complaint, on the night of February 21 at around 11:15 pm, the NGO operator received multiple threatening phone calls from local and international numbers. She also received alleged death threats and obscene messages on WhatsApp and was verbally abused. The callers reportedly informed her that she was being followed and that her residence had been traced. Shortly thereafter, stones were thrown at the window of her house in Barabanki. The threats allegedly included warnings of sexual violence and circulation of explicit videos.
28. Allegations Surface of Inducement-Based Religious Conversions Targeting Hindu Families in Poonch
Allegations have emerged from the Nowshera area of Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir that poor Hindu families, particularly from the Dalit community, were targeted for religious conversion through inducements and manipulation. The incident is recorded as of February 21, 2026.
The matter came to light after social activist and Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Sanam Raina stated that organisations belonging to certain communities had allegedly misled members of economically weaker and Dalit Hindu families and converted them to another religion. According to his statement, inducements and misleading methods were used to influence vulnerable families. The activities were reported to have taken place at a community hall constructed on state land. No specific individual victim was named.
29. Bhilai Man Arrested After Viral Video Allegedly Targets Hindu Community with Derogatory Remarks
A man identified as Najrul Khan, a resident of the Bhilai Camp area in Durg district, Chhattisgarh, was arrested after a video in which he allegedly made derogatory remarks against the Hindu community went viral on social media on February 21, 2026.
According to reports, the video contained objectionable statements directed at Hindus, including the phrase “Bhagwa Atankwadi,” meaning saffron terrorists. The content was widely circulated online and was alleged to have hurt religious sentiments and caused tension in the area.
A written complaint was submitted by Ravi Nigam, state co-convenor of the Chhattisgarh Bajrang Dal. In his complaint, he alleged that Najrul Khan made offensive remarks against Hindus and attempted to disturb social harmony. The complaint also stated that the accused had shared a video showing a Hindu youth being beaten and had expressed support for it.
February 22, 2026
30. Maharashtra: Muslim Man and Family Stalk, Groom 15-Year-Old Hindu Girl for Conversion and Nikah
A 15-year-old Hindu minor girl from Shirdi police station area in Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra, endured sustained stalking, relentless Instagram harassment, and psychological coercion to convert her religion and marry Muslim man Irfan Sheikh through nikah, with the incident reported on February 22, 2026.
Irfan Sheikh began targeting the victim via continuous Instagram messages over several days, combined with physical stalking to pressure her into abandoning her Hindu faith. His brother and sister-in-law actively participated, applying additional coordinated psychological pressure as part of a premeditated scheme.
Deeply distressed, the minor confided in her family, who approached social organisations for support before lodging a formal complaint at Shirdi police station. Authorities registered a case under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, arresting the main accused Irfan Sheikh while launching raids for the absconding co-perpetrators.
31. Sri Sri Rakhakali Temple Set on Fire, Saraswati Idol Vandalised in Narayanganj
A Hindu temple in the Saoghat West Manipara area of Golakandail Union, Rupganj, in Narayanganj district, Bangladesh, was set ablaze and its deity’s idol desecrated by unidentified miscreants around midnight on February 22, 2026.
The temple, identified as Sri Sri Rakhakali Temple, was allegedly attacked by 8 to 10 individuals at approximately 12:15 am, according to temple management committee president Kalipada Das. He stated that the attackers entered the premises armed with iron pipes, sticks and indigenous weapons. They vandalised the idol of Goddess Saraswati and damaged various items inside the temple, including chairs, cooking pots and electric lights. Gold ornaments weighing about two tolas were also reported looted from the idol.
Kalipada Das further alleged that the attackers poured flammable material inside the premises and set the temple on fire, resulting in the burning of several items. Local residents who heard the noise reportedly rushed to the spot, after which the assailants fled.
He claimed that the incident was planned and referred to an ongoing land dispute in court involving a Muslim man, Zakir Hossain of the nearby Singla area. Kalipada Das stated that he had previously received threats. Zakir Hossain denied any involvement, saying the land matter was sub judice and that he sought resolution through legal means. He alleged that attempts were being made to falsely implicate him.
32. Disabled Hindu Woman Abducted and Gang-Raped in Bhola Upazila
A 25-year-old disabled Hindu woman was abducted and gang-raped in Bhola Upazila of Barisal District, Barisal Division, Bangladesh, on 22 February 2026. The incident occurred while she was returning home after attending a Hindu kirtan event organised at a temple.
According to media reports, the woman was intercepted by three men identified as Rakib, Sohail, and Russell. She was allegedly abducted and taken to a garden, where she was gang-raped. The victim later stated from her hospital bed that the accused kicked her in the stomach, choked her, and sexually assaulted her. She identified the three men by name in her statement.
Local residents found the woman in critical condition and took her to a hospital for treatment. A First Information Report was filed in the case, naming the three accused. However, reports stated that the police had not immediately arrested them.
Tajmuddin Police Station in-charge Abdus Salam said that a case would be formally filed once the victim’s condition improved and that efforts were underway to arrest those involved.
33. Minor Hindu Girl Allegedly Abducted and Pressured for Religious Conversion in Rampur
A minor Hindu girl was allegedly abducted in the Patwai area of Rampur district, Uttar Pradesh, on 22 February 2026. The case came to light after her family and members of a Hindu organisation submitted complaints to the local police.
According to media reports, two men from the Muslim community kidnapped the girl and held her with the alleged intention of forcing her to convert. Officials of the Dharma Prasar Department of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad submitted a memorandum at Patwai police station stating that the minor had been taken hostage for religious conversion and demanding her immediate recovery.
More than 24 hours after the alleged abduction, the girl had not been located at the time of reporting. Her family submitted a written application at the police station seeking urgent action and the safe return of their daughter.
34. 200 Villagers Allegedly Targeted for Religious Conversion at Prayer Meeting in Lakhimpur Kheri
Around 200 Hindu villagers were allegedly targeted for religious conversion during a prayer meeting held in Magalganj town of Lakhimpur Kheri district, Uttar Pradesh, on 22 February 2026.
According to reports, the meeting took place at a private residence on Madhiya Ghat Road in the afternoon and was attended by more than 200 villagers, including women. The gathering was described as a Christian prayer meeting.
Activists associated with Hindu organisations reached the location after receiving information about the event and began protesting, alleging that the meeting was being used to carry out religious conversions. The situation escalated, prompting local police intervention.
Personnel from Magalganj police station arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control. Several individuals present at the meeting, including the organiser, were detained and taken to the police station for questioning.
As per the recorded case details, 200 individuals were listed as victims. No deaths were reported. The case status is listed as a complaint registered. The number and gender of the accused have not been specified in the available reports.
35. Man Accused of Impersonating Hindu Identity to Exploit Girl in Mehsana
A Hindu girl was allegedly lured, blackmailed and sexually exploited by a man identified as Mohammad Javed Sidhi in Kheralu town of Mehsana district, Gujarat, on 22 February 2026. Police registered a case following a complaint by the victim.
According to reports, the accused introduced himself to the girl as Rahul Patel, claiming to be a Hindu. After establishing contact, he took photographs of her on his mobile phone. He later disclosed his real identity and allegedly used the photographs to blackmail her, threatening to circulate them on social media and defame her.
The victim stated that she had come to Kheralu for her studies when the accused persuaded her to accompany him to a guest house in the GIDC area. Inside the premises, he allegedly engaged in sexual intercourse with her against her will. The girl subsequently informed her family about the incident.
Her family members, accompanied by local villagers, reached the guest house and found the two there. A crowd gathered at the location and apprehended the accused.
Based on the girl’s complaint, Kheralu police registered a case against Mohammad Javed under Sections 64(1) and 351(2) of the Indian Penal Code and initiated further legal proceedings.
The events reported between February 16 and February 22, 2026 reveal a week marked by serious allegations, police intervention, and heightened communal sensitivities across several regions. Complaints relating to religious coercion, alleged forced conversions, temple vandalism, and online content deemed offensive to religious sentiments have resulted in arrests, FIR registrations, and preventive administrative measures in multiple jurisdictions.
