Kanpur Police Bust Alleged Conversion Racket: What We Know About the Arrests

Kanpur cops bust alleged conversion racket, arrest 3

In a high-profile operation that has once again thrust Uttar Pradesh into the national spotlight, Kanpur police have busted an alleged conversion racket, arresting three individuals accused of orchestrating forced religious conversions under the guise of romantic relationships. The arrests, made under the state’s controversial Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, come amid heightened scrutiny of interfaith unions and claims of ‘love jihad’—a term not recognized by law but widely used in political discourse.

According to police, the accused—a 28-year-old man and two associates—targeted young women from economically vulnerable Hindu families, luring them with promises of marriage before allegedly pressuring them to convert to Islam. While the investigation is ongoing and the accused maintain their innocence, the case has already sparked polarized reactions across social media, legal circles, and civil society. But what exactly happened, and how does this fit into the broader landscape of India’s anti-conversion laws?

Table of Contents

The Allegations: Details of the Kanpur Conversion Racket

Kanpur police allege that the accused operated a coordinated network over the past 14 months, primarily in the city’s industrial suburbs like Govind Nagar and Kidwai Nagar. Their modus operandi reportedly involved:

  • Identifying young women (aged 18–25) from low-income Hindu households.
  • Initiating contact via social media or through mutual acquaintances.
  • Building emotional trust over weeks or months.
  • Eventually proposing marriage—but only if the woman converted to Islam.

In at least two documented cases, police claim the women were taken to unauthorized mosques for quick religious ceremonies without proper documentation or family consent. One complainant, a 22-year-old factory worker, told investigators she was “threatened with abandonment” when she hesitated to convert.

The arrests were made under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, one of India’s strictest anti-conversion statutes. Key provisions include:

  1. Prior permission required: Any person wishing to convert must apply to the District Magistrate at least 60 days in advance.
  2. Marriage as a trigger: Conversions solely for marriage are deemed unlawful unless proven otherwise.
  3. Stringent penalties: Violations can lead to 1–10 years in prison and fines up to ₹50,000.
  4. Burden of proof reversed: The accused must prove the conversion was voluntary—not the prosecution.

Critics, including human rights organizations like Human Rights Watch, argue the law infringes on personal liberty and disproportionately targets Muslim men in interfaith relationships . Supporters, however, insist it prevents coercion and protects vulnerable women.

How the Law Is Applied in Practice

Since 2021, Uttar Pradesh has registered over 200 cases under this law, though conviction rates remain low—under 5%, according to state judicial data. Many cases collapse due to lack of evidence or recanting witnesses, raising questions about misuse for familial or communal vendettas.

Police Investigation: How the Racket Was Uncovered

The breakthrough came after a local NGO filed a complaint alleging systematic targeting of women in textile worker colonies. Acting on the tip, Kanpur’s Crime Branch launched a month-long surveillance operation, monitoring phone records, social media activity, and movement patterns.

“We found repeated coordination between the main accused and two local mosque caretakers who conducted the conversions without verifying intent or informing authorities,” said Deputy SP Rajesh Kumar. Digital evidence, including voice notes and chat logs, formed the backbone of the case.

All three accused are currently in judicial custody. Police are also examining whether more victims exist and whether financial incentives were involved.

While the police frame this as a clear-cut case of exploitation, activists urge caution. “Not every interfaith relationship is a conspiracy,” says Ayesha Khan, a legal researcher with the Centre for Social Justice. “The state must distinguish between genuine coercion and consensual adult choices.”

[INTERNAL_LINK:interfaith-marriage-laws-india] Critics point out that the term “conversion racket” itself presumes guilt before trial. They warn that such narratives can fuel communal tension and discourage women from reporting actual abuse due to fear of legal entanglement.

Broader Trend: Religious Conversion Cases in India

Uttar Pradesh is not alone. Similar anti-conversion laws exist in Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, and Karnataka. According to a 2025 report by the Economic and Political Weekly, such laws have led to a 300% increase in complaints related to interfaith marriages since 2020—but a sharp decline in reported domestic violence cases among minority women, suggesting underreporting due to fear of legal backlash .

This duality presents a complex challenge: how to protect the genuinely vulnerable without criminalizing personal freedom.

Conclusion: Balancing Security and Freedom

The Kanpur conversion racket case sits at the volatile intersection of faith, gender, and state power. While law enforcement has a duty to prevent fraud and coercion, it must also uphold constitutional rights to privacy, choice, and equality. As the judicial process unfolds, this case will serve as another critical test of whether India’s anti-conversion laws protect—or persecute.

Sources

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