A case involving allegations of religious conversion and marriage has drawn significant attention in the Laksar area of Haridwar, Uttarakhand, after police registered a case against a local Muslim man accused of persuading a Hindu woman from Chhattisgarh to convert her religion and subsequently marry him. Authorities have taken the accused, identified as Ashif, into custody and initiated a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the conversion and marriage.
The matter came to light following a complaint submitted to the Laksar police by Sandeep Kumar, district president of the Vishva Hindu Mahasangh. According to the complaint, the accused, a resident of Nihandpur Suthari village in the Sultanpur area, had been working at a sugarcane processing unit in Chhattisgarh, where he established contact with a Hindu woman employed at the same facility. The complainant alleged that the woman was later influenced and brought to Uttarakhand by the accused.
Timeline of the Alleged Events
According to information cited in the police complaint, the woman was reportedly brought to the accused’s native village in December 2025. Subsequently, she was taken to Kaliyar, a town in Haridwar district known for its religious significance, where her conversion was carried out. Following the reported conversion, the woman’s name was changed from “Sukhmati” to “Shabnoor,” after which a nikah ceremony was conducted.
Police officials have stated that the accusations are currently under investigation and that all aspects of the case are being examined. The registration of the case was based on the complaint received, and authorities are now gathering evidence, recording statements, and verifying the sequence of events.
Custody of the Accused and Expanding Investigation
Investigators have confirmed that Ashif has been taken into custody. Officials indicated that the case may involve additional individuals, and efforts are underway to determine whether any other persons played a role in facilitating the conversion and marriage process. Authorities are also examining whether legal provisions relating to religious conversion and marriage procedures were violated.
The investigation is expected to include scrutiny of documents, witness testimonies, and any records associated with the alleged conversion ceremony and marriage. Police have not publicly disclosed evidence supporting or disproving the allegations, and the inquiry remains ongoing.
Woman Reportedly Already Married
One of the significant developments in the investigation is the police finding that the woman involved in the case was reportedly already married. According to preliminary inquiries, the woman is originally from the Manguli police station area in Panditaria district of Chhattisgarh. Police officials stated that her family members have been informed about the developments and are being contacted as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are also undertaking legal procedures to record the woman’s statement before a court. The testimony is expected to play a crucial role in determining the factual circumstances surrounding her relationship with the accused, the conversion, and the subsequent marriage.
First Wife’s Allegations Triggered the Case
According to the report, the conversion activities came to the attention of authorities after the accused’s first wife approached the police. She reportedly informed investigators that her husband had been living with another woman for a considerable period and had allegedly arranged for her religious conversion before marrying her. The information provided by the first wife prompted increased attention from local Hindu organizations and law enforcement agencies.
Members of Hindu organizations subsequently visited the police station and demanded action, leading to further scrutiny of the allegations. Police then proceeded with legal action and the registration of a formal case against the accused.
Conclusion
The Haridwar case has become a prominent local issue due to the religious conversion, identity change, and marriage of the Hindu woman. With the accused in custody, the woman’s statement pending before the court, and investigators exploring the involvement of possible accomplices, the matter is expected to remain under close scrutiny in the coming weeks. The ultimate outcome will depend on the evidence gathered and the conclusions reached through the judicial process.
