In yet another heartwrenching case of sexual assault and forced Islamic conversion, a man identified as Junaid was booked along with four others by the Uttar Pradesh (UP) police. The incident was reported from UP’s Prayagraj, where a mother-daughter duo were threatened to embrace Islam.

Islamic cleric Mushtaq Ali’s role

In the case documented under FIR number 586/2023 at the Colonelganj police station within the district, the accused have been identified as the deceased cleric Mushtaq Ali and his three sons—Akram, Junaid, and Faizan—alongside two others.

Sangeeta Gupta, the victim, reported to the police that her late father, Baccha Gupta, had been lured into conversion years ago by Maulana Mushtaq Ali, who falsely claimed it would enhance his business. Baccha, the sweet shop owner, came across Ali, who convinced him that regular attendance at the mosque and presenting chadar could significantly improve his business prospects. Succumbing to Ali’s influence, Baccha started frequenting the Mazar and, within months, was manipulated into converting to Islam. Ali directed them to discontinue worshipping Hindu deities and instead present chadar at the Mazar.

Later, Ali insisted that they build a grave within their home, cautioning that non-compliance would lead to the entire family facing dire consequences through his supposedly miraculous ‘jhad-fook’ powers. His influence extended to Sangeeta’s residence, where she lived with her husband and in-laws, and he kept a close watch on her daughters.

After her father’s passing, Ali continued to terrorize Sangeeta, coercing her and her daughter to visit the Mazar situated in the Chhota Baghada area of the town. There, he confined the minor to a room and subjected her to sexual assault. Upon learning of the incident, Sangeeta confronted Mushtaq, only to be threatened with severe consequences. Ali asserted his supposed ability to cause harm, citing the fate that befell her father through his alleged magical powers. Consequently, the daughter’s health deteriorated, leading to her eventual demise on 28 December 2018.

Tormented by the grief of losing her daughter, Sangeeta yielded to fear and obediently followed every demand made by Ali. She surrendered money, jewellery, and all items requested for the Mazar, all consumed by the dread of his alleged magical powers.

Junaid, Faizan and others continue exploiting the Hindu family

On 23 October 2023, Mushtaq passed away. On that very day, his sons Akram, Junaid, and Faizan visited Sangeeta’s house, asserting that Mushtaq had instructed them before his death to bring her to the mausoleum at any cost. Fearing their threats and intimidation, Sangeeta reluctantly went to the Mazar on 24 October, where she endured both verbal and physical abuse.

In her formal complaint, Sangeeta revealed that Junaid and his brothers forced her to spit on the floor and consume it. They confined her to a room, subjected her to inappropriate touching, and made offensive remarks. Moreover, they insisted that Sangeeta bring her elder daughter to the Mazar. She emphasized that she was not the only victim, as numerous other women experienced similar torture and assault. According to Sangeeta, the accused and their family coerced these women into converting to Islam, involving female members of the family as necessary for the purpose of conversion and manipulation.

Sangeeta stated, “I approached both Colonelganj and Annie Basent’s police stations, but to no avail, and no one filed an FIR against the perpetrators.” This complaint letter was submitted to the authorities on 11 November, and the FIR was eventually lodged on 5 December.

According to the FIR, Junaid and his brothers have been booked under various sections, including 147 (rioting), 323 (causing hurt), 504 (intentional insult), 342 (wrongful confinement), 354 (A) (sexual harassment), and provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion Act. Police said no case has been booked against Junaid’s father, Mushtaq Ali, as he is dead.

(Featured Image Source: Organiser)