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A landmark verdict has been delivered in India, sentencing 12 individuals, including a prominent Islamic scholar, to life imprisonment for their involvement in an alleged inter-state syndicate operating under the guise of unlawful religious conversions. The conviction marks the first major instance of a guilty verdict under Uttar Pradesh's controversial anti-conversion law, introduced in 2020-21. This legislation, deemed highly contentious, aims to curb forceful and deceptive practices related to religious conversions.
The convicted individuals face charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. These include allegations of promoting religious hatred, outraging religious sentiments, cheating, and waging war against India. Among the 12 sentenced to life imprisonment are Maulana Kaleem Siddiqui, a prominent Islamic cleric, and Maulana Umar Gautam, a Muslim preacher who ran the Islamic Da’wah Centre (IDC) India in Delhi.
The charges against the group stem from accusations of a systematic conversion racket, targeting vulnerable individuals with promises of employment, marriage, and financial assistance. The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), which spearheaded the investigation, alleged that the organization received substantial foreign funding, a crucial element in their operation. The case gained notoriety due to the gravity of the accusations, linking religious conversion to foreign influence and potential extremism. The ATS further alleged that the group aimed to achieve a demographic shift through illegal conversion and to ultimately establish Sharia Law in India.
The conviction has been met with both celebration and controversy. While the authorities claim the verdict validates their actions and strengthens the anti-conversion law, critics argue that the charges are politically motivated and that the case reflects a broader crackdown on religious minorities in India. The case also raises concerns about the potential misuse of anti-conversion laws, which critics argue can be used to target and intimidate religious communities. The defendants, including Siddiqui and Gautam, maintain their innocence and have vowed to appeal the verdict.
The verdict in this case holds significant ramifications for India's legal and social landscape. It highlights the complexities of religious freedom and the challenges in balancing individual rights with national security concerns. The outcome of the appeal, along with the continued debate surrounding anti-conversion laws, will likely shape the future of religious freedom in India for years to come.