UP Government Moves to Seize Assets of Doctor Accused in Shocking Sexual Exploitation and Forced Conversion Case

UP moves to attach assets of doctor accused of sexual exploitation, forced conversions

Introduction

A disturbing case from Uttar Pradesh has once again thrust the contentious issue of forced conversion into the national spotlight. The state government has moved decisively to attach the assets of a doctor accused of not only sexually exploiting a minor girl but also coercing her into changing her religion—a grave offense under UP’s stringent Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021 .

The accused, whose identity is protected under juvenile justice protocols due to the victim’s age, allegedly used his position of trust as a medical professional to manipulate and isolate the teenager before facilitating her conversion. Now, with property seizure orders underway, authorities are sending a clear message: such crimes will be met with both legal and financial consequences. But beyond the headlines, this case exposes deeper societal fractures—and the complex interplay between law, faith, and gender-based violence.

Table of Contents

The Allegations: A Pattern of Grooming and Coercion

According to police reports filed in Moradabad, the accused doctor—a respected local practitioner—began interacting with the victim under the guise of providing medical care. Over time, he allegedly escalated contact through social media, offering emotional support that gradually turned manipulative .

Key elements of the prosecution’s narrative include:

  • The victim was a minor (under 18) at the time of the alleged offenses.
  • She was reportedly isolated from her family and pressured into converting to another religion.
  • Sexual exploitation occurred before and after the conversion ceremony.
  • Documents suggest the accused may have used fake affidavits to legitimize the conversion.

The family discovered the abuse only after noticing drastic behavioral changes in their daughter—a common red flag in grooming cases.

UP Government’s Swift Response: Asset Attachment

In a rare show of administrative urgency, the Uttar Pradesh administration invoked Section 13 of the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act to initiate asset seizure proceedings against the accused . This provision allows the state to confiscate movable and immovable property if it’s determined that the conversion was achieved through “misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement, or fraudulent means.”

The move serves multiple purposes:

  1. Deterrence: Sends a strong signal that such crimes carry severe financial penalties.
  2. Victim Support: Attached assets can potentially be used for compensation or rehabilitation.
  3. Political Messaging: Reinforces the state government’s tough stance on what it terms “organized conversion rackets.”

Though the term “Love Jihad” has no legal definition, it’s widely used in political discourse to describe alleged conspiracies where men from one religion lure women from another into marriage and conversion. UP’s 2021 law—among the strictest in India—criminalizes conversions carried out solely for marriage and mandates prior police approval for any religious change .

Critics argue the law disproportionately targets interfaith couples and violates fundamental rights to privacy and choice. However, in cases involving minors and non-consensual acts—as alleged here—the law finds broader public support. The Supreme Court of India has previously emphasized that consent is invalid if obtained through fraud or coercion, especially from vulnerable individuals .

Broader Implications for Minor Protection and Religious Freedom

This case sits at a dangerous intersection: child protection and religious identity. While safeguarding minors from sexual exploitation is universally accepted, using anti-conversion laws as the primary legal tool raises concerns:

  • Could genuine interfaith relationships involving young adults be criminalized?
  • Does the focus on religion overshadow the core crime—sexual abuse of a minor?
  • Are marginalized communities unfairly targeted under the guise of “protection”?

Child rights experts stress that the priority must always be the victim’s safety, trauma recovery, and autonomy—not theological debates.

Public and Political Reaction

The case has triggered polarized responses. Right-wing groups have hailed the asset attachment as “justice served,” while civil society organizations warn against normalizing property seizures without full due process. Opposition parties accuse the ruling BJP of using such cases to fuel communal polarization ahead of upcoming elections.

Meanwhile, women’s collectives and child welfare NGOs are calling for faster trials, better witness protection, and trauma-informed policing—measures often missing in high-profile cases.

Precedents and Controversies Around Anti-Conversion Laws

UP is not alone—states like Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Gujarat have similar laws. In 2023, the Allahabad High Court struck down parts of UP’s law for violating constitutional rights, though the core provisions remain active pending Supreme Court review .

Nationally, data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) shows a sharp rise in “forced conversion” complaints since 2020—but conviction rates remain abysmally low, suggesting many cases lack evidentiary rigor or are politically motivated.

Conclusion: Justice Beyond Symbolism

The forced conversion case in UP is more than a legal battle—it’s a mirror reflecting India’s struggles with gender justice, religious freedom, and state power. While attaching the accused doctor’s assets may offer symbolic satisfaction, true justice requires a survivor-centered approach: ensuring the minor’s rehabilitation, securing a fair trial, and addressing the systemic failures that allow predators to exploit legal and social loopholes. As the nation watches, the outcome will set a precedent far beyond one courtroom. For more on child protection laws in India, explore our guide on [INTERNAL_LINK:child-safety-and-legal-rights-in-india].

Sources

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