Conversion racket busted in Agra, suspected links to Pakistan, Gaza; 14 held
PTC News Desk: Agra Police on Saturday discovered a religious conversion racket with international ties, involving several girls who were reportedly in contact with individuals in Pakistan.
Fourteen suspects have been arrested and are currently being interrogated. Investigators stated that the network operated through social media, online gaming platforms like LudoStar, encrypted messaging apps, and the dark web. Financial transactions were carried out via crowdfunding and cryptocurrency, with funds also flowing to and from Gaza.
Two Pakistan-based operatives, Tanveer Ahmed and Sahil Adeeb, have been identified as key figures in the network. They allegedly managed multiple WhatsApp and online groups from Pakistan, where religious content was shared and discussed.
Authorities found that girls who converted from Hinduism to Islam were connected with Pakistan-based mentors who provided religious teachings. Some Kashmiri girls were also reportedly involved in facilitating these connections and promoting conversions.
A major suspect, Rahman Qureshi, oversaw the group’s financial dealings. He was interrogated by Agra Police and central intelligence agencies.
The network is said to have operated under the name “DAWAH” and aimed to expand the reach of Islam in India by 2050. The group mainly targeted emotionally vulnerable individuals or those facing family difficulties.
Police noted that DAWAH operatives approached Hindu girls via online gaming platforms and communicated through encrypted apps like Signal and the dark web to avoid detection. They also sought out individuals in busy public spaces such as hospitals, courts, and police stations, as well as those working in informal sectors, offering help with personal issues.
The network referred to those who converted as “Reverts” and maintained active communication across various social media groups.
Abdul Rahman from Delhi and Ayesha from Goa were identified as leading figures in the group. Rahman, who converted to Islam in 1990, is believed to have links to a suspect currently jailed under anti-terror laws. All arrested individuals were found to be connected to Rahman and Ayesha.
Girls from states like Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana were reportedly targeted and later rescued. Police said these girls had engaged in online forums that criticised Hinduism while advocating Islamic teachings.
The investigation remains active, with central agencies expected to probe further into the network’s international links, funding methods, and digital operations.
- With inputs from agencies
