THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It has now come out that the conversion of Nimisha, hailing from Attukal here, who became Fathima after embracing Islam, allegedly took place at Salafi Centre when it was under the direct control of the state government.
Kerala Salafi Centre at Oottukuzhi, located barely a stone’s throw from the State Secretariat, was in the news in connection with the conversion of Nimisha, who was among the 21 missing persons from the state with alleged links to the so-called Islamic State(IS).
As per reports, Nimisha had embraced Islam in September 2013 following an alleged relationship with a Muslim youth hailing from Attingal. By an odd coincidence, Salafi Centre was taken over by the state government in 2013 in the wake of a High Court order after rival factions there were engaged in a dispute to wrest control. Since then, it has been under the charge of a Receiver. According to Zakir Hussain, who is the Receiver, Salafi Centre had been under the control of a Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) since April 2, 2013. “ The conversion of Nimisha is believed to have taken place in September 2013. But at the time Salafi Centre was under the administration of the state government. Since the government took over the reins, no conversions or radicalisation took place here. We have also conveyed this to the investigating officers,” he said.V K Ahmed Kutty was the Imam of Salafi Centre at the time when Nimisha reportedly converted to Islam.
However, failing health forced him to return to his native Palakkad.Mohammed Shah, who took over as the new Imam eight months ago, is presently looking after Salafi Centre’s activities.
When contacted, Shah said since he assumed charge there were no conversions or radicalisation carried out at the Centre. He also pointed out that Salafi Centre had been turned into a prayer centre.The Imam also rubbished the media and police claims that Salafi Centres here had played a crucial role in the conversion and radicalisation of youth.