In a major crackdown on unlawful religious conversions, Uttar Pradesh Police have arrested 14 individuals linked to a multi-state syndicate accused of forceful conversions and radicalisation activities. The arrests are part of Mission Asmita, a flagship initiative by the Yogi Adityanath-led government aimed at curbing illegal conversions and extremist influences.
Agra Police Commissioner Deepak Kumar confirmed that three more people were arrested on Wednesday, including Junaid Qureshi, who allegedly forcibly converted a woman before marrying her. “The victim, discovered through Mission Asmita, confirmed the forced conversion in a statement before the magistrate,” said Kumar. Police also recovered mobile phones, SIM cards, and other suspicious materials.
The accused, reportedly well-educated and multilingual, are suspected to have received foreign funding and made multiple trips to regions including Kashmir, Nepal, Bhutan, and West Bengal. Investigators are currently examining financial records and possible links to radical groups.
Earlier, the UP Police had arrested 10 suspects across six states. Key individuals such as Mohammad Umar Gautam, Mufti Jahangir Alam Qasmi, and Chhangur Baba alias Jamaluddin were apprehended for orchestrating mass conversions through tactics resembling those used by ISIS, including enticement and “love jihad.”
UP DGP Rajeev Krishna stated that preliminary investigations point toward international funding from countries like Canada, the US, the UK, and Dubai. He added that evidence links the syndicate to extremist groups such as PFI, SDPI, and Pakistani terror outfits.
Authorities have found digital evidence of religious indoctrination on seized devices, including hate speeches and radical content. Police suspect the operation may have links to earlier radicalisation cases in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.
In a related investigation, Agra Police recently arrested 10 people following the disappearance of two sisters, which revealed deeper connections to the illegal conversion network operating under the guise of religious outreach.
Further investigations are underway as authorities continue to dismantle the syndicate threatening national security.
