Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh: A serious case of alleged forced religious conversion has come to light from the Bhopa police station area of Muzaffarnagar district, triggering tensions and protests. The case involves a Hindu youth, identified as Rakesh Sharma, who had been working for nearly 15 years at a local household.
According to reports, Rakesh Sharma, a resident of Haridwar, had been employed as a domestic worker at the residence of a man named Afzar in Bhaikaredi village. Allegations have surfaced that he was recently forced to convert his religion under pressure.
The victim has alleged that he was coerced into conversion and made to offer namaz against his will. He also claimed that he was forced to consume beef during the process. A video allegedly showing him offering prayers inside a mosque has gone viral on social media, intensifying the controversy.
Authorities have taken note of the viral video, though all claims are currently under investigation.
Following the circulation of the video, members of the Hindu Sangharsh Samiti reached the Bhopa police station and staged protests, demanding strict action against the accused. They warned of a larger agitation if immediate arrests were not made.
After reviewing the complaint and the viral content, police registered a case under multiple sections 353(2)(3), and 61(2)(A) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including provisions related to criminal conspiracy, along with sections of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2021.
Police have arrested four accused in connection with the case. The main accused, Afzar, was arrested earlier, while three others, Salman, Danish, and Anas, were later taken into custody. All the accused have been produced before a court and sent to judicial custody.
Senior Superintendent of Police Sanjay Kumar Verma confirmed that the investigation was initiated following a complaint of forced conversion. He stated that the matter is being probed thoroughly and further action will be taken based on evidence.
Circle Officer Devvrat Vajpayee said that the case was registered under relevant legal provisions and that further investigation is ongoing to uncover all aspects of the incident.
Members of the Hindu Sangharsh Samiti have alleged that such incidents could be part of a larger organised effort involving forced conversions. They have demanded a detailed probe into possible funding sources and networks behind such activities.
Police, however, have maintained that conclusions will be drawn only after a comprehensive investigation.
