30 Muslims have converted to Hinduism, claims Indore group; no coercion complaint so far, say cops
Indore, Jun 28: A group of 30 Muslims have converted to Hinduism in Indore in Madhya Pradesh, a social organisation based here claimed on Friday, while police said it had not got any complaint so far of coercion in this connection.
Local organisation 'Sajha Sanskriti Manch' president Sam Pawri told reporters 30 persons, including 14 women, had converted from Islam to Hinduism under provisions of the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act 2021.
Eyewitnesses said these persons took part in Hindu rituals, which included chanting of Vedic hymns, that took place in Khajrana Ganesh temple here.
These people have submitted an affidavit to the district administration under Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act 2021 proclaiming they are voluntarily changing their religion, Pawri said.
"We have received information about 28 people participating in a ritual for voluntary change of religion at Khajrana Ganesh temple. We have not received any complaint so far that these people have changed religion due to any pressure, influence or greed. If a complaint is received, appropriate legal steps will be taken," Deputy Commissioner of Police Abhinay Vishwakarma told PTI.
The Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act 2021 was enacted to prohibit religious conversions through force, fraud or greed and violators can face jail of up to 10 years and Rs1 lakh fine.
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NIA court to complete framing of charges against 2010 hand-chopping case accused on May 15
Kochi (PTI): A special court here will complete proceedings for framing charges against the prime accused in the 2010 hand-chopping case involving professor T J Joseph, in which PFI activists were accused of attacking him at Muvattupuzha.
Ernakulam Special Court for NIA cases judge P K Mohandas, on April 30, heard the arguments of counsel for accused Savad and Shafeer C and decided to proceed with framing charges against the duo.
A group chopped off Thodupuzha Newman College professor Joseph's right hand in July 2010, accusing him of religious blasphemy in a question paper he had prepared.
The case, later taken over by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), resulted in the conviction of 19 accused.
The first accused, Savad, who allegedly chopped off Joseph’s palm, was arrested in Berram in Mattannur, Kannur, in January 2024, where he had allegedly been hiding under the pseudonym Shajahan.
The NIA also arrested Shafeer, who allegedly arranged shelter and provided logistical support to Savad at Chakkad and Mattannur in Kannur since 2020.
On April 30, the court heard the counsel for the accused and the NIA prosecutor on framing charges against the duo.
"On going through the documents and evidence in the case and on hearing the counsel for the accused and the prosecutor, I am of the opinion that there are grounds for presuming that the first accused has committed offences punishable under provisions of the IPC, the Explosive Substances Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and that the second accused has committed offences punishable under the IPC and the UAPA, and there are materials for framing charges under these provisions against the accused," the court said.
The court directed that Savad be produced and Shafeer, who is on bail, appear before it on May 15 for recording their pleas as part of the charge-framing process.
After framing the charges, the court will schedule the trial in the case.
