BIJNOR: A 17-year-old boy named Vishal from Bijnor district in Uttar Pradesh was safely brought back home after police traced him to J&K in a case involving forced religious conversion, coercion, and inducement.
Kudos to everyone who executed this
A boy from Uttar Pradesh, who was forcibly converted to Islam in Kashmir, has returned to Hindu fold within two days
After a video of the boy’s conversion in a mosque went viral and his father appeared for help, BJP leader Mausam Bhaiya… pic.twitter.com/XoETgSaWiN
— Swati Goel Sharma (@swati_gs) May 22, 2026
The teenager (a minor), identified as Vishal from Bakhpur Garhi village, had reportedly left for Kashmir after being influenced by local resident Waseem, who allegedly promised him marriage and later pressured him into converting to Islam. Some reports say Vishal and Waseem’s daughter had developed soft corner for each other and Waseem took advantage of the fact in luring the boy to travel with him to J&K.
According to the complaint filed by the boy’s family, Vishal was taken to Kupwara in J&K where his name was allegedly changed to “Hamza” and videos linked to his conversion surfaced online. “Since our families knew each other since previous two generations, I had not imagined Waseem was capable of such treachery,” says Vishal’s father.
#BijnorPolice
थाना कोतवाली शहर पर धर्मपरिवर्तन से संबंधित पंजीकृत अभियोग में युवक की सकुशल बरामदगी एव आरोपी को हिरासत में लिये जाने के संबंध मे पुलिस अधीक्षक जनपद बिजनौर की बाइट ।#uppolicepop @dgpup@Uppolice@adgzonebareilly@digmoradabad pic.twitter.com/WeM2AeLmWV— Bijnor Police (@bijnorpolice) May 21, 2026
“Waseem held me in J&K for a year and a half, using threat and coercion, and taught me the tenets of Islam by force. Finally, he sent me to the local masjid there to undergo conversion to Islam,” says Vishal.
The video of the conversion rituals of Vishal to Hamza (new Islamic name) went viral. The matter triggered concern among villagers and family members, after which a case was registered under provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021.
#BijnorPolice
थाना कोतवाली शहर पुलिस द्वारा मु0अ0स0 380/2026 धारा 3/5(1) उ0प्र0 विधि विरुद्ध धर्म संपरिवर्तन प्रतिषेध अधिनियम 2021 से संबंधित अभियुक्त को गिरफ्तार किया गया। #UPPolice @dgpup @Uppolice @adgzonebareilly pic.twitter.com/ezMnTRu7Ev— Bijnor Police (@bijnorpolice) May 21, 2026
Acting on the complaint, Bijnor Police launched an operation and brought the minor back to Uttar Pradesh for investigation and counselling.
Police later confirmed the arrest of accused Waseem in connection with the case. Officials stated that legal proceedings are ongoing and additional evidence is being examined.
After returning to his native village, Vishal participated in a traditional Shuddhi ritual and Ghar Wapasi ceremony conducted at a local Shiv Mandir. Elaborate rituals involving chants of mantra, hom-havan, and Pooja Abhishek were followed in the shuddhi (purification) ceremony.
Family members, villagers, and local Hindu organisations gathered during the ceremony, where Vedic chants and purification rituals marked his return to the Sanatan Hindu fold.
The boy reportedly told investigators and community members that he had been under emotional and social pressure during his stay in Kashmir.
The incident has since become a major topic of discussion in the region, with renewed debate around illegal conversions, protection of minors, and enforcement of anti-conversion laws.
Supporters of the family praised the swift action of Uttar Pradesh Police and local authorities for ensuring the safe return of the teenager and initiating action against the accused.
