Mastermind of Agra Conversion Racket Arrested: Missing Haryana Woman Rescued

In a significant breakthrough against illegal religious conversion networks, law enforcement agencies successfully arrested Abdul Rehman, the alleged mastermind behind a sprawling conversion racket operating across multiple Indian states. The arrest took place in Mustafabad, Delhi, where police also rescued a young woman from Haryana who had been missing for several months.

Mastermind Abdul Rehman arrested.Image Source : India TV

Unraveling the Conversion Network

The investigation was initiated following the disappearance of two sisters from Agra’s Sadar Bazar area, whose mysterious vanishing exposed the existence of a well-organized and extensive network involved in forced religious conversions. This syndicate employed deceptive tactics, including fake romantic relationships and sham marriages, to lure vulnerable individuals into converting under false promises.

Abdul Rehman, previously known as Mahendra Pal from Firozabad, took over the operations after the incarceration of a prominent religious leader, Maulana Kaleem Siddiqui, in 2021. Authorities revealed that Rehman maintained close ties with radical elements and possessed extremist literature at his residence. The racket’s reach extended across at least six states—Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, Goa, Kolkata, and Uttarakhand—with at least ten accomplices arrested to date.

Modus Operandi and Operations

The gang’s modus operandi involved emotionally manipulating women and minors through online and offline engagements. Safe houses were used to relocate victims across state borders to evade detection. To facilitate their activities, the group relied on forged documents, multiple SIM cards, and coordinated legal assistance. Digital indoctrination played a crucial role, with curated sermons and encrypted communication channels helping the syndicate recruit and radicalize victims.

Authorities also suspect that the network received funding from international sources, including Pakistan, the United States, Canada, Dubai, and London, possibly via clandestine hawala channels and dark web transactions.

Rescue and Legal Proceedings

During the operation in Delhi, police rescued Mamta, a woman from Rohtak, Haryana, who had been missing since November. The rescued woman, along with the abducted sisters from Agra, is expected to provide detailed testimonies under legal provisions, which will be crucial for building a strong case against the accused.

Abdul Rehman faces multiple charges, including kidnapping, organized crime, and violations of Uttar Pradesh’s anti-conversion law. This legislation, enacted in 2021, aims to curb forced religious conversions and protect vulnerable communities. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities coordinating across several states to dismantle related cells and identify further victims and collaborators.

Broader Impact and Social Response

The arrest has reignited debates around religious conversions in India, especially concerning the enforcement of anti-conversion laws at the national level. A local legislator has appealed to the Union Law Minister to consider a comprehensive national policy to address such issues, highlighting the involvement of foreign-funded organizations in these rackets.

While some families of the accused maintain their innocence, asserting that their relatives are ordinary citizens, public demand for stringent action and swift justice has grown stronger. Legal experts and civil society activists continue to monitor the developments closely, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding individual freedoms while preventing exploitation.

Conclusion

The arrest of Abdul Rehman and the rescue of the missing Haryana woman mark a critical step in dismantling a dangerous and far-reaching conversion racket. As investigations deepen, law enforcement agencies are expected to unearth more details about the syndicate’s operations, funding, and network. This case serves as a reminder of the complex challenges posed by illegal conversions and the need for vigilant enforcement of laws to protect vulnerable individuals across India.

(Sources: OpIndia, Hindustan Times, IndiaTV News)