MALAPPURAM: Shocked by the brutal murder of Faisal allegedly for converting to Islam, his family members have followed his footsteps. Sources close to Faisal’s family told Express eight of them are now undertaking religious studies at Maunathul Islam Sabha in Ponnani.
“They went to Ponnani two weeks ago and are now being taught the basics of Islam,” sources said.
The new converts include Faisal’s sisters Subitha and Kavitha and Subitha’s husband Murali. Faisal’s nieces and nephews have also joined them at Ponnani.
Aneesh Kumar, son of Ananthakrishnan Nair of Kodinhi, had converted to Islam and accepted the name Faisal P. He was allegedly murdered by RSS activists for converting to Islam in November, 2016. Two weeks after his murder, Faisal’s mother Meenakshi had accepted Islam and adopted the name Jameela. Sources said Faisal’s father Ananthakrishnan Nair will also convert to Islam soon.
Faisal’s sister Kavitha, sources said, has moved an application for divorce from her husband Pullani Vinod, one of the key accused in Faisal murder case.
Meanwhile, the house, being built by Kodinhi Mosque committee for Faisal’s family is nearing completion at Kodinhi. The house is constructed with contribution from local residents. One of the functionaries of the Joint Action Committee said the family of Faisal will be shifted to the new house within a few weeks. Besides, the mosque committee is taking care of the educational expenses of Faisal’s three children.
Faisal’s wife Priya had converted to Islam and adopted the name Jasna before Faisal’s death. Meanwhile, police said no issues have been reported regarding the conversion of Faisal’s family.
“We haven’t received any complaint regarding the conversion. The area is calm and we are keeping vigil,” said Tirurangadi SI Viswanathan Karayil.