Conversion–Jihad Network Uncovered: Prayagraj to Kerala, Poor Girls Targeted
A shocking new case has emerged, uncovering an alleged interstate conversion and terror radicalisation racket targeting poor and Dalit girls from Uttar Pradesh. A 15-year-old girl from Phulpur, Prayagraj, was reportedly lured with money, taken to Thrissur, Kerala, forcibly converted to Islam, and pushed toward a jihadi training network. Prayagraj police have arrested two suspects, with investigations pointing to an organized trafficking network spanning UP to Kerala.
🚨 The Ordeal: Lured, Abducted, Radicalised
The incident began on May 8, when the minor—accompanied by a local woman, 19-year-old Kahkashan (aka Daraksha) Bano—attended a wedding in her village. Bano reportedly promised money and showed an inclination to Islam, persuading the girl to leave her home youtube.com+9indiatoday.in+9organiser.org+9.
At Prayagraj Junction, the girl was joined by Mohammad Kaif, who allegedly molested her before they boarded a train first to Delhi and then to Kerala newindianexpress.com+6indiatoday.in+6timesofindia.indiatimes.com+6. Kahkashan stayed in contact with a man identified as Taj Mohammad, believed to be part of the racket’s leadership organiser.org+2indiatoday.in+2opindia.com+2.
🕌 Conversion and Jihadi Indoctrination
Upon reaching Thrissur, the girl was taken to a residence occupied by men with long beards and other girls. She alleges they pressured her to convert to Islam and undergo jihadi training newindianexpress.com+6indiatoday.in+6organiser.org+6.
Fearing for her safety, she escaped and reached Thrissur Railway Station, where local police and the Child Welfare Committee intervened. She then contacted her mother and was safely returned to Prayagraj under protection newindianexpress.com+6indiatoday.in+6siasat.com+6.
🧩 Arrests and Investigation
On June 28, the victim’s mother filed an FIR implicating Bano and Kaif. Both suspects were arrested by Phulpur police, with DCP Kuldeep Singh Gunawat confirming their role in the trafficking and conversion scheme organiser.org+7newindianexpress.com+7opindia.com+7.
Investigators assert that this is part of a wider interstate gang involved in targeting underprivileged girls, forcing conversions, and grooming recruits for extremist activities opindia.com+2newindianexpress.com+2organiser.org+2.
🛡️ Security Measures and Ongoing Probe
Three dedicated police teams have been formed to dismantle the network, trace all accomplices, and identify additional victims organiser.org+8newindianexpress.com+8hindustantimes.com+8. The victim’s mother, Guddi Devi, reported receiving death threats after filing the complaint, prompting enhanced security protections opindia.com+6organiser.org+6timesofindia.indiatimes.com+6.
🧠 Understanding the Context: Love–Jihad and Conversion Racket
This incident reflects longstanding fears around a conspiracy popularly referred to as “Love Jihad”, where women from minority or vulnerable communities are allegedly targeted for religious conversion under the guise of relationships timesofindia.indiatimes.com+3en.wikipedia.org+3en.wikipedia.org+3.
Similar cases (e.g., the Hadiya case in Kerala) involved debates on consent and coercion. While courts have ruled that conversion by informed consent is legal, coerced or forced conversion remains a criminal offense en.wikipedia.org.
⚖️ Legal and Social Implications
- Legal concerns: Forced conversion, molestation, and trafficking are punishable offenses under Indian law.
- State responsibility: Authorities must ensure child protection, particularly in cross-state kidnapping cases.
- Preventive measures: Awareness campaigns, community policing, and stricter monitoring across states are crucial.
- Healing and rehabilitation: The rescued girl is lodged at a One-Stop Centre in Prayagraj. Ongoing psychological support and legal aid are essential organiser.org+7newindianexpress.com+7hindustantimes.com+7.
🧭 Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Action
The case of the Prayagraj minor is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of poor and Dalit girls, specifically to organized conversion and radicalisation rings. It highlights the urgent need for:
- Stronger laws and enforcement on trafficking and forced conversion
- Improved coordination between Uttar Pradesh and Kerala police
- Protective measures like One-Stop Centres, helplines, and rapid response units
- Awareness drives at schools, panchayats, and slum areas
- Community vigilance to prevent recruitment attempts
As the probe continues, authorities plan to map the full network, identify more victims, and bring all culprits to justice. This case must serve as a national warning: protecting our girls means protecting our future.
