DGP Kumar Lauds Verdict on 16 Convicted in Illegal Religious Conversion Case

DGP Prashant Kumar hailed the NIA/ATS Special Court's judgment which sentenced 16 individuals, including Maulana Kalim Siddiqui, for running an illegal religious conversion racket. Highlighting the message of strict action against such activities, Kumar emphasized the significant societal impact of the verdict.

DGP Prashant Kumar praised the NIA/ATS Special Court's decision on Wednesday that convicted 16 individuals involved in illegal religious conversions, declaring it a significant and positive message to society. "This action taken by ATS will send a good message that strict action against illegal conversions is certain," Kumar said.

Earlier today, the special court sentenced 12 of the accused to life imprisonment, including Maulana Kalim Siddiqui. The remaining four individuals, Rahul Bola, Mannu Yadav, Kunal Ashok Chaudhary, and Salim, received 10-year prison terms along with fines as per the relevant sections.

Special Judge Vivekanand Sharan Tripathi delivered the sentence for the 16 convicts. Siddiqui had been arrested in September 2021 for spearheading a nationwide illegal religious conversion syndicate.

DGP Kumar detailed the case, revealing that the accused operated the Islamic Dawa Center in Delhi, running an illegal conversion racket by luring impoverished and disabled individuals with money. Agents of this network were located in Delhi, Maharashtra, Haryana, Punjab, and other states. The scheme unraveled when one member was apprehended in Ghaziabad and, under intensive interrogation, disclosed their illegal activities. Subsequently, Uttar Pradesh Police alerted the NIA, and today, 16 people involved have received severe sentences. Out of the 16, 12 individuals including key figures like Maulana Umar Gautam Qazi, Jahangir Alam Qazmi, and Maulana Kaleem Siddiqui were sentenced to life imprisonment, while four others received ten-year terms. Charges were initially pressed against 17 people, with the final court decision rendered for 16.

(With inputs from agencies.)