16 Convicted in Uttar Pradesh's Illegal Religious Conversion Racket

A special Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) court in Uttar Pradesh convicted 16 individuals, including Maulana Kalim Siddiqui and Mohammed Umar Gautam, in a 2021 case of illegal religious conversion. The accused allegedly converted students with disabilities and poor people to Islam, funded by Pakistan's ISI. The sentence hearing is set for September 11.

In a landmark decision, a special Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) court in Uttar Pradesh convicted 16 individuals, among them Islamic preacher Maulana Kalim Siddiqui and Islamic Da'wah Centre founder Mohammed Umar Gautam. The 2021 case centered around an illegal religious conversion scheme.

Special Judge Vivekanand Sharan Tripathi announced that the verdict on the quantum of sentencing will be delivered on September 11. The detailed order is expected to be publicized the following day.

Authorities accused the convicted of converting hearing-impaired students and economically disadvantaged people to Islam, with alleged financial backing from Pakistan's ISI. Director General of Police Prashant Kumar noted this operation aimed to alter the population's religious dynamics through coercion, including promises of marriage, money, and jobs.

(With inputs from agencies.)