Barber and Accomplices Arrested for Alleged Molestation and Forced Conversion

A barber, his brother, and a man named Rakesh Bhatt were arrested in Uttar Pradesh for allegedly molesting a minor girl and forcing her to convert religions. The arrests followed a complaint by the victim's mother. The incident led to local unrest and vandalism against Muslim-owned shops.

A barber, his brother, and a local man have been apprehended on accusations of molesting and coercing a minor into religious conversion, the police reported on Wednesday.

The suspects, identified as Salman, the barber, his brother, and Rakesh Bhatt, were arrested in Najibabad, Uttar Pradesh. The arrests followed a complaint filed by the mother of the class 10 student on Monday evening, according to Tehri's Senior Superintendent of Police, Ayush Aggrawal.

The girl, who was reported missing, was located within 15 hours. The arrests have ignited unrest in the community, with vandalism reported against Muslim-owned shops. Authorities have since increased police presence and urged calm among residents.

(With inputs from agencies.)