Nine arrested for converting Dalits to Muslims

BHOPAL: Nine people, including a qazi of Khaniadana area in Shivpuri district were arrested on Thursday for converting Dalits to Muslims in violation of the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1968. The arrests came three weeks after members of a radical Hindu outfit re-converted Dalits who had embraced Islam.
"We have arrested the qazi and eight others involved in religious conversions.They have been arrested on basis of statements of those arrested earlier for changing their religion in violation of law. They were later released on bail," said Y S Jadon, station house officer, Khaniadana police station.
Controversy surfaced last month when the Dalit youths, who converted to Islam without intimating the collector, forced their wives to change their religion. The incident was reported from Shivpuri district where Maniram Jatav, 30, and Tularam Jatav, 19, were booked under Sections 4 and 5 of the Act.
Police said Maniram Jatav, resident of Shivpuri's Khanidana village, embraced Islam two years ago, changed his name to 'Abdullah' and started a small business in the area. Maniram also forced his wife to convert without completing legal formalities, said police. Maniram then forced Tularam Jatav, a petty labourer, to embrace Islam. Tularam changed his name to Abdul Kareem in 2013. However, he was thrown out of his home by his family.
Members of the Hindutva organisations allege that at least one family member of the nine arrested Muslims is based in Saudi Arabia and were receiving funds to convert Hindus.