Muzaffarnagar : In a case that has raised concerns over increasing religious tensions, three individuals—Imran, Noor Ali, and Mange Ram—have been detained in Muzaffarnagar over allegations of converting a minor boy to Islam in exchange for money. However, community leaders have questioned the narrative, citing a pattern of targeting Muslims under the controversial Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, reported the Hindu.
According to the boy’s father, his son, a Class 8 student, was allegedly pressured to convert, with claims that a Hindu barber circumcised him. However, many legal experts and activists have pointed out that similar allegations have often been used to criminalize interfaith interactions and unfairly target Muslims.
While the police have registered an FIR under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the anti-conversion law, Muslim organizations have called for a fair and unbiased investigation, warning against communalizing personal matters. “These laws are increasingly being misused to intimidate Muslims and create a climate of fear,” said a local activist.
The boy has been sent for a medical examination, and further investigations are ongoing. Community members have urged authorities to ensure justice without religious bias.
