By Arun Pratap Singh
Haldwani, 5 May: The Banbhulpura area, a predominantly Muslim area in Haldwani, has once again come under the spotlight, this time over the alleged forced religious conversion of a minor Hindu girl. Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand police have initiated a joint investigation into the matter following a complaint, and the accused has been arrested.
According to reports, the 15-year-old victim, originally from Basai in Rajasthan, was residing in the Thana Para area of Uttar Pradesh for her studies. The accused youth, identified as Hamza Khan, allegedly lured the minor girl and brought her to Haldwani (Nainital) on 4 April. In Haldwani, he allegedly forced the minor girl to convert to Islam, changing her name to Sania Hamza Khan, and solemnising a Nikah (marriage) with the help of a Maulvi from Banbhulpura. Sources indicate that these events reportedly took place at a mosque in Banbhulpura.
The victim’s mother has stated that her daughter was studying in Para, UP. She alleged that Hamza Khan, who lived in the same area, enticed her and brought her to Haldwani, where he forcibly made her recite the Kalma (Islamic declaration of faith). As the girl was unfamiliar with the recitation, she was made to repeat it. In the police complaint, the victim’s father alleged that Hamza Khan targeted his minor daughter and took her to a mosque in Haldwani city, where he coerced her into converting to Islam.
The family has further claimed that when they initially approached the police to file a complaint, it allegedly appeared hesitant to register the case. Speaking to the media persons in Haldwani, the victim’s mother tearfully stated that her daughter was lured away. An attempt was made to ruin her life, but the police did not act in time. But as the news spread and also in view of the prevalent communal tensions, the Police in Nainital have been now forced to take cognisance of the complaint,
The Station House Officer (SHO) of Para Police Station, Suresh Singh, shared that a case has been registered under serious sections based on the written complaint. The accused, Hamza Khan, has been arrested. Police have now assured that a thorough investigation into the matter is underway, and action will be taken on all aspects. Police also confirmed that the minor victim has undergone a medical examination and her statement has been recorded.
The incident has become a major talking point in Uttarakhand. The victim’s mother has reminded that her daughter is still a child. She was lured away and converted. She demanded that the culprit be severely punished so that no other family has to go through this pain. Following the public anguish, the Police have placed the victim in a safe location, and the police forces of both the states are communicating and coordinating for further investigation into the case.
