A disturbing family dispute in West Bengal’s Shibpur has come under police scrutiny after a Sikh youth accused his mother, Preeti Kaur, and her companion, Wasim Raza Khan, of attempting to coerce him into converting to Islam and assaulting him when he refused.
The complaint, filed on June 12 at Shibpur Police Station, contains allegations of physical violence, threats to life and religious coercion. The case has attracted significant attention in the locality, with several community groups demanding a thorough investigation into the matter.
The complainant was accompanied by members of local Hindu organisations when he approached the police station to seek legal action.
Family rift began after mother’s relationship with Wasim Raza Khan
According to the youth’s complaint, tensions within the family began after his mother entered into a relationship with Wasim Raza Khan, who is a lawyer by profession.
The complainant alleged that the relationship drastically changed family dynamics and eventually led to a complete breakdown of relations within the household. As tensions escalated, he and his father allegedly began living separately from Preeti Kaur.
The youth stated that for nearly three years he stayed with his uncle, who became his primary caregiver during the period of estrangement.
Family members supporting the complainant have claimed that the separation was a direct consequence of the deteriorating domestic situation.
Reconciliation attempt turns sour
According to the complaint, matters took a dramatic turn when Preeti Kaur recently re-established contact with her son.
The youth alleged that his mother repeatedly invited him to visit her residence, creating an impression that she wished to repair their fractured relationship.
Believing that a reconciliation was possible after years of separation, he agreed to meet her.
However, the visit allegedly unfolded very differently from what he had expected.
Allegations of conversion pressure
The Sikh youth claimed that during the meeting he was offered care, support and assistance on the condition that he convert to Islam.
According to his complaint, both Preeti Kaur and Wasim Raza Khan allegedly attempted to persuade him to change his faith.
The complainant stated that he firmly refused the proposal.
It was after this refusal, he alleged, that the situation turned violent.
Assault and dog attack alleged
The complaint alleges that both Preeti Kaur and Wasim Raza Khan physically assaulted the youth.
He claimed that he sustained injuries to his head and other parts of his body during the incident.
In one of the most serious allegations contained in the complaint, the youth further stated that a dog was deliberately unleashed on him during the confrontation.
According to him, the animal attacked and bit him multiple times, causing additional injuries.
The complainant alleged that the assault was intended to intimidate him into compliance.
Death threats against him and his father
Beyond the allegations of physical violence, the Sikh youth has also accused the duo of issuing threats to kill both him and his father.
According to the complaint, the threats left him deeply shaken and fearful for the safety of his family.
He subsequently approached the police seeking protection and legal action against those named in his complaint.
His uncle has publicly supported his version of events and has stated that the allegations described by the youth are consistent with what the family has experienced over the past several years.
The case has sparked reactions among local Hindu organisations, several of whose members accompanied the complainant to the police station.
Representatives of these groups have demanded a swift, impartial and transparent investigation into the allegations. They argue that claims involving alleged religious coercion, family pressure, assault and threats to life deserve urgent attention from law-enforcement authorities.
Some members of these organisations have also levelled allegations against Wasim Raza Khan regarding his influence over Preeti Kaur. However, these allegations remain unverified and have not been established through any judicial process.
Police yet to conclude investigation
At present, the allegations remain claims made in a police complaint and are subject to investigation.
For now, the case has raised serious concerns about allegations of religious pressure, family coercion and violence within a fractured household. The investigation is expected to shed further light on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
