DEHRADUN: Dehradun Police have booked five individuals, allegedly linked to the 'Chhangur Baba gang', for attempting religious conversions among youth.
The action, initiated at Ranipokhri police station, stems from a complaint by a local businessman whose daughter was reportedly targeted by the group, which allegedly operated a conversion racket through Instagram.
Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Singh confirmed the development, stating, "The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) had contacted Doon police regarding this matter, and subsequently took Abdul Rahman and a young woman named Mariam from Doiwala into custody for questioning."
Based on the information provided by the UP ATS, Dehradun Police swiftly formed its own team and launched a thorough investigation into the alleged racket.
During the course of their probe, several suspicious Instagram IDs linked to the operation were put under close surveillance.
Police sources revealed that Abdul Rahman, a key figure, originally from Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh, was born a Hindu but converted to Islam after coming into contact with Jalaluddin alias 'Chhangur Baba's' gang approximately 12 years ago. He had moved to the Selakui area about a decade and a half ago in search of work and currently works as a taxi driver in Shankarpur, Sahaspur.
Following his conversion, Abdul Rahman's demeanour reportedly changed, leading him towards radicalisation and involvement in suspicious activities.
Intelligence police had flagged his activities to headquarters about two and a half years ago. The issue of religious conversions has gained prominence, with approximately eight cases concerning young women coming to light in the Vikasnagar area over the past two years.
Vikasnagar MLA Munna Singh Chauhan has prominently raised this issue, instructing the police to conduct a verification drive and take strict action against those operating conversion gangs.
Speaking to the TNIE, MLA Chauhan stated, "It is imperative to identify and take stringent action against gangs active in conversion, 'Love Jihad', and 'Land Jihad'. Local police have been directed to conduct a verification drive to identify such individuals, especially those who have recently moved into the area."
He also clarified that the Muslim community residing in Vikasnagar and Sahaspur for a long time, who believe in social harmony, should not be harassed.