FIR filed over alleged ‘conversion’ of non-local in Srinagar

Srinagar, April 06: Jammu and Kashmir Police Saturday filed an FIR against the alleged forced conversion of a non-local man who as per reports converted to Islam during the Jumat-ul-Vida prayers at Dargah Hazratbal in Srinagar.
A police officer said that they have initiated legal proceedings against the incident. The video footage of the conversion incident gained traction on various social media platforms, particularly Facebook, sparking widespread concern, he said.
“We have registered FIR no. 55/2024 at Police Station Nigeen under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including disobedience to lawful order, deliberate intent to wound religious feelings, giving provocation with intent to cause riot, and promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, etc,” he said.
According to FIR, the video that is viral on social media. The person named Sandeep Kumar is a resident of Haryana, and he embraced Islam during Friday prayers at the Hazratbal shrine.
“The dissemination of this video has led to public unrest and raised apprehensions about religious harmony and tolerance. It has also drawn reactions beyond the borders of Jammu and Kashmir, potentially fuelling sectarianism and communal discord,” it said.
The police officer said that further investigation into the matter revealed that Sandeep was reportedly mentally manipulated by the owner of the house, Anayat Muntazir, a resident of Nowhatta.
“Anayat, who employed Sandeep as a domestic worker at his residence in Srinagar, allegedly coerced him into reciting the Kalima during congregational prayers at the Hazratbal shrine to convert his religion,” he said.
“A senior police officer has been tasked with completing the case file and submitting the investigation report to the Superintendent of Police for further action. The police have appealed to the public to maintain calm as they diligently address the matter to ensure justice prevails,” the officer added.
On Friday, Sandeep reportedly embraced Islam in presence of thousands of people at Dargah Hazratbal. He recited Kalima during Friday prayers by Imam and Khateeb Dr Kamal Farooqi.