Gujarat: Man Coerces Woman for Religious Conversion in Vadodara
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Synopsis
Vadodara Police arrested a man who deceived a divorced woman by posing as 'Manoj' while his real name was 'Mohsin'. He allegedly coerced her and her children to convert after his identity was uncovered. The authorities are investigating potential foreign funding for religious conversions and examining if other women have also been victimized.
Key Takeaways
- Man arrested for posing as 'Manoj'
- Accused pressured woman and children to convert
- Investigation into foreign funding for conversions
- Police remand granted for further questioning
- Concerns over 'Love Jihad' laws affecting rights
Vadodara, Feb 16 (NationPress) The police in Vadodara, Gujarat, have taken into custody a man accused of misleading a divorced woman by presenting himself as ‘Manoj’ while concealing his true identity as ‘Mohsin’. Following the revelation of his identity, the accused allegedly coerced the woman and her children to convert. This incident was reported at the Bapod Police Station, where officials filed a complaint and commenced an investigation. Authorities suspect that the suspect may have received foreign funding for the purpose of religious conversions.
As part of the investigation, the court has approved a five-day police remand for further interrogation. After the apprehension of Mohsin Pathan, police are exploring the possibility that other women may have also been victims of similar fraudulent schemes.
It has come to light that Mohsin has a tattoo bearing the name of a Hindu woman on his arm, but no additional information regarding the woman has been uncovered so far. Officials suspect that he exploited his position in the railway sector and his involvement in event management to target women from vulnerable backgrounds and entice them into religious conversion.
Authorities are investigating claims that Mohsin received financial support from international sources to facilitate these conversions. His call records and financial transactions are currently under review, and investigators are examining his four mobile phones for potential evidence. They believe he may have utilized various methods to contact and manipulate his victims.
In reaction to the “Love Jihad” narrative, several Indian states, including Gujarat, have considered or implemented laws to prevent coerced religious conversions via marriage. These regulations typically require prior consent from district authorities before any interfaith marriage can take place, aiming to restrict coercive conversions.
Critics, however, contend that such legislation could violate individual rights and may be misused to target interfaith couples. Politically, the discourse surrounding “Love Jihad” has been used by certain factions to promote a particular narrative, often resulting in communal discord.
