Sonbhadra: Five Accused Booked for Offering Money, Property, and Marriage to Force Religious Conversion

Sonbhadra, UP: In a disturbing case of attempted religious conversion, the police in Sonbhadra have registered a case against five individuals for allegedly trying to coerce an Adivasi girl to convert to Islam by offering money, property, and marriage. The incident occurred in Baghadu village under Dudhi police station jurisdiction, and the complaint was lodged by the victim herself.

Victim’s Statement
The victim, Renu Kumari, daughter of Manoj Singh God, told police that she belongs to a Scheduled Tribe and comes from an economically weak family. Her father is disabled, and her mother works as a laborer to support the family. Renu alleged that village residents Bahadur Ali, Naseem Uddin, Azmat Ali, Raziya Panika, and Abdul Subhan repeatedly visited her home pressuring her and her family to convert to Islam.

Threats and Harassment
According to Renu, the accused promised wealth, property, and a good life in exchange for conversion. They even offered to marry her four sisters to their sons. When she refused, she was allegedly harassed and threatened. The victim claimed that while going to college, the accused followed her in a vehicle, stopped her on the way, harassed her, and attempted to force her into the vehicle.

Active Conversion Gang
Renu further alleged that the main accused, Bahadur Ali, actively promotes conversion in tribal areas by buying and selling land and settling outsiders, coercing poor locals to change religion.

Legal Action Underway
Based on the victim’s complaint, the Dudhi police registered FIR No. 0280/2025 against Bahadur Ali, Naseem Uddin, Azmat Ali, Raziya Panika, and Abdul Subhan under various sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. Police officials stated that the allegations are serious, and a thorough investigation is underway to ensure strict legal action against the culprits.