Moradabad Woman Alleges Forced Religious Conversion at Gunpoint; Police Arrest Two, Investigation Continues

A serious criminal case has emerged from Moradabad district in Uttar Pradesh, where a woman has alleged that she was forcibly converted to Islam at gunpoint, held captive for several days, and pressured into marriage. Acting on her complaint, police have arrested two accused and launched an extensive search for the remaining suspects named in the FIR.

The incident, which falls under the Majhola police station limits, has attracted widespread attention because of the serious nature of the allegations and the legal provisions invoked by investigators.

According to police, the accused include Sultan Salauddin and his wife Mehnaz alias Mehraj Begum, both of whom have been arrested and sent to judicial custody. A cleric (Maulvi) and two unidentified persons named in the complaint remain absconding, and police teams are conducting raids to locate them.

Authorities have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that all allegations will be examined based on available evidence.

Woman Alleges She Was Called to the House on the Pretext of Work

According to the complaint filed by the woman, both families had known each other for nearly three years. During this period, they allegedly maintained friendly relations, visited one another’s homes, and attended family functions together.

The complainant stated that on February 6, she was invited to the accused’s residence on the pretext of discussing some work. She alleges that after reaching the house, the situation changed dramatically.

In her statement to police, the woman claimed she was prevented from leaving and was kept confined inside the house for several days against her will.

Investigators are examining these allegations as part of the criminal inquiry.

Allegation of Forced Religious Conversion

The most serious allegation in the complaint relates to an alleged attempt to force the woman to change her religion.

According to the FIR, the complainant alleged that one of the accused pointed a licensed pistol at her head and threatened to kill her if she refused to convert.

She further claimed that she was forced to undergo a religious conversion during her confinement.

At this stage, these allegations remain under investigation, and police have not publicly disclosed any evidence confirming or disproving the claims.

Pressure to Marry After Alleged Conversion

The woman further alleged that after the purported conversion, she was pressured to marry.

According to her complaint, she refused the proposal, after which she allegedly faced repeated intimidation, verbal abuse, and threats.

She also accused the suspects of molestation during the period she was allegedly held captive.

These allegations have been included in the criminal case registered by police.

Police Register Multiple Criminal Charges

Following the woman’s complaint, police registered an FIR under several provisions of Indian law.

The case includes charges related to:

• Kidnapping
• Wrongful confinement
• Criminal intimidation
• Molestation
• Relevant provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act
• Relevant sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act

The inclusion of multiple legal provisions reflects the seriousness of the allegations made by the complainant.

Investigators have stated that every aspect of the complaint will be examined during the course of the investigation.

Two Accused Arrested

Police have confirmed the arrest of Sultan Salauddin and Mehnaz alias Mehraj Begum.

Following legal formalities, both accused were produced before a court and subsequently remanded to judicial custody.

Investigators have not yet released detailed statements from the accused regarding the allegations.

The investigation remains active.

Search Continues for Remaining Suspects

Apart from the two arrested individuals, the FIR also names a Maulvi and two unidentified persons.

According to police officials, all three remain absconding.

Special police teams have been formed to locate and arrest the remaining accused.

Officers are carrying out raids at multiple locations while gathering intelligence to trace their whereabouts.

Police have indicated that further arrests may follow as the investigation progresses.

Police Statement

Speaking about the case, SP City Kumar Ranvijay Singh confirmed that the investigation is continuing.

According to the officer, two primary accused have already been arrested and sent to jail.

He added that police teams are actively searching for the remaining suspects named in the FIR and that evidence is being collected to verify all allegations.

Officials have appealed to the public not to spread rumours or unverified information while the investigation is underway.

Investigation Focuses on Evidence

Investigators are now working to establish a complete timeline of events.

Police are expected to examine:

• Statements of the complainant
• Statements of witnesses
• Mobile phone records
• CCTV footage, where available
• Digital evidence
• Medical examination reports
• Any documentary evidence related to the allegations

Officials say every claim made in the complaint will be independently verified before conclusions are reached.

Legal Significance of the Uttar Pradesh Conversion Law

The case also draws attention to the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, which prohibits religious conversions carried out through force, fraud, coercion, undue influence, or allurement.

The law provides strict penalties if investigators establish that a conversion occurred through illegal means.

However, legal experts note that every accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court, and guilt can only be determined after completion of investigation and judicial proceedings.

Community Reaction

The allegations have generated significant discussion in Moradabad and across social media platforms.

Many residents have called for a fair and impartial investigation that protects the rights of both the complainant and the accused.

Community leaders have also appealed for peace, urging people not to draw conclusions until police complete their investigation.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation to prevent misinformation or attempts to disturb public order.

What Happens Next?

The investigation is expected to continue over the coming days.

Police will attempt to arrest the remaining accused while examining forensic and documentary evidence connected with the case.

After completing the investigation, authorities will submit their findings before the competent court.

Only after judicial proceedings conclude will responsibility be legally determined.

Conclusion

The Moradabad case has become one of the most closely watched criminal investigations in Uttar Pradesh because of the serious allegations involving alleged forced religious conversion, confinement, threats, and intimidation.

While police have already arrested two accused and registered multiple criminal charges, investigators continue to search for the remaining suspects and verify the complainant’s allegations.

As the legal process moves forward, authorities have emphasized that the investigation will be guided by evidence and conducted in accordance with the law.

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FAQs

Where did the alleged incident occur?

The case was registered under the Majhola police station area in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh.

Who has been arrested?

Police have arrested Sultan Salauddin and Mehnaz alias Mehraj Begum.

What laws have been invoked?

The FIR includes charges of kidnapping, wrongful confinement, molestation, criminal intimidation, provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, and the SC/ST Act.

Is the investigation complete?

No. Police have stated that the investigation is ongoing, and efforts are underway to arrest the remaining accused.