News for 'illegal conversion'

Mirzapur Police Nab Two More in Gym Conversion Case

Mirzapur Police Nab Two More in Gym Conversion Case

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Police in Mirzapur have arrested two more individuals, including a wanted suspect with a reward, in connection with an illegal religious conversion racket allegedly operating under the guise of gymnasiums. This brings the total number of arrests in the case to ten.

Couple Garlands With Shoes Over Land Dispute, Conversion Rumours

Couple Garlands With Shoes Over Land Dispute, Conversion Rumours

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

A couple in Uttar Pradesh were allegedly humiliated and forced to wear garlands made of shoes following a family dispute over land and rumours of religious conversion. Police have denied the conversion allegations, stating the issue is related to a land dispute.

Maha assembly passes anti-conversion Bill; CM says not against any religion

Maha assembly passes anti-conversion Bill; CM says not against any religion

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra assembly has passed the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, introducing strict measures to prevent religious conversions through coercion, fraud, or marriage, sparking debate over constitutional rights and religious freedom.

Maharashtra minister seeks probe into AIMIM's role in TCS case

Maharashtra minister seeks probe into AIMIM's role in TCS case

Rediff.com1 days ago

Maharashtra minister Sanjay Shirsat has called for a police investigation into the alleged involvement of AIMIM and its ex-MP Imtiaz Jaleel in the Nashik TCS case, following the arrest of accused Nida Khan. Shirsat alleges AIMIM is encouraging religious conversions and that Khan is part of a larger network.

Marriage becomes invalid if conversion is found illegal: HC

Marriage becomes invalid if conversion is found illegal: HC

Rediff.com24 Sep 2025

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that a marriage based on an illegal religious conversion is invalid under the law. The court made the observation while hearing a petition from a couple seeking protection of their marital life.

Rs 85 Lakh Seized, Six Detained At Indo-Nepal Border

Rs 85 Lakh Seized, Six Detained At Indo-Nepal Border

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

A joint team of police and SSB seized over Rs 85 lakh in Indian and Nepalese currency and detained six persons along the Indo-Nepal border in Bahraich district.

IT Firm Harassment Case: Police Investigate Bank Accounts for Funding Links

IT Firm Harassment Case: Police Investigate Bank Accounts for Funding Links

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Police are investigating the bank accounts of those arrested in connection with the sexual harassment and religious conversion case involving women employees of an IT firm in Nashik to determine if they received funds for illegal activities. A special investigation team (SIT) is handling the case.

VHP protests over conversion allegations at Lucknow medical varsity

VHP protests over conversion allegations at Lucknow medical varsity

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) staged a protest in Lucknow alleging illegal religious conversion activities at King George's Medical University (KGMU), following the arrest of a KGMU intern in a rape and blackmail case. The VHP demanded swift action against those involved, claiming an organized attempt at religious conversion.

Karnataka Intensifies Efforts to Stop Ganja and Mobile Phones in Prisons

Karnataka Intensifies Efforts to Stop Ganja and Mobile Phones in Prisons

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Karnataka's Home Minister announces stringent measures to curb the supply of contraband, including ganja and mobile phones, in prisons across the state, including the implementation of AI-powered surveillance systems.

How BJP turned TMC's structural cracks into a sweeping mandate

How BJP turned TMC's structural cracks into a sweeping mandate

Rediff.com5 days ago

The BJP's landslide victory in West Bengal has not merely redrawn the electoral map but overturned the operating logic of politics in the state, breaching the TMC's entrenched fortress despite a decade-and-a-half of dominance, minority consolidation, and a sustained "outsider" narrative.

'Real Issue Is Land, Not Religion In Assam'

'Real Issue Is Land, Not Religion In Assam'

Rediff.com5 days ago

'The real fault line in Assam is not Hindu versus Muslim. It is Assamese versus Bengali -- and within that, the specific anxiety about undocumented Bangladeshi settlers claiming land and altering the demographic balance of the state.'

What Are Mohan Bhagwat's Views On Infiltration, Population Imbalance?

What Are Mohan Bhagwat's Views On Infiltration, Population Imbalance?

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

All along, we were told SIR was an essential exercise carried out as part of the Election Commission's regular duties. But now that the ideological mentor of the ruling party has declared that SIR is a means of detecting infiltrators, one understands the unseemly haste with which it is being carried out, notes Jyoti Punwani.

UP conversion racket: 'Kashmiri girls brainwashed my daughters'

UP conversion racket: 'Kashmiri girls brainwashed my daughters'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

The father of two sisters in Agra, whose missing persons complaint exposed an illegal religious conversion racket, claims his daughters were 'brainwashed' by some Kashmiri girls. Ten people have been arrested from six states in connection with the case.

Punjab CM Accuses Centre of 'VIP Treatment' to Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi

Punjab CM Accuses Centre of 'VIP Treatment' to Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the central government of providing 'VIP treatment' to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, criticising perceived double standards in dealing with crime.

8 killed, 95 injured in US-Israeli strikes on Iran bridge

8 killed, 95 injured in US-Israeli strikes on Iran bridge

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

At least eight civilians have been reported killed, and 95 others have sustained injuries following United States-Israeli strikes, Iranian state media Press TV reported.

Kharat spoke to Shinde? Fadnavis orders probe into CDR leak

Kharat spoke to Shinde? Fadnavis orders probe into CDR leak

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a probe into the leak of call data records in the Ashok Kharat case and directed the Enforcement Directorate to investigate Kharat's assets.

Wrong to claim one religion as only true religion: HC

Wrong to claim one religion as only true religion: HC

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that claiming a particular religion is the 'only true religion' is inappropriate in a secular country like India and could violate laws against disparaging other faiths. The court dismissed a petition filed by a Reverend Father, stating that such claims could fall under Section 295A of the IPC, which addresses acts intended to outrage religious feelings.

Punjab CM Accuses Centre of Aiding Gangster Bishnoi

Punjab CM Accuses Centre of Aiding Gangster Bishnoi

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the central government of providing special treatment to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who is accused in the Sidhu Moosewala murder case. Mann's criticism comes after Union Minister Amit Shah spoke about gang activities in Punjab.

'Distorted': India slams US body's call for sanctions on R&AW, RSS

'Distorted': India slams US body's call for sanctions on R&AW, RSS

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

India has rejected a report by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) that criticised India's record on religious freedom and called for linking US security assistance and trade to improvements in this area.

Jeweller Arrested in Rs 250 Crore IDFC Bank Fraud Case: What We Know

Jeweller Arrested in Rs 250 Crore IDFC Bank Fraud Case: What We Know

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

A jeweller has been arrested in Haryana in connection with a Rs 590 crore fraud at IDFC First Bank. The investigation revealed that over Rs 250 crore was routed to the jeweller's firm from companies linked to the accused.

US report calls for 'targeted sanctions' against R&AW, RSS

US report calls for 'targeted sanctions' against R&AW, RSS

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

A US federal government commission has raised concerns about the state of religious freedom in India, recommending its designation as a 'Country of Particular Concern' and suggesting targeted sanctions.

'Kasab Drank Urine, Didn't Eat Biryani'

'Kasab Drank Urine, Didn't Eat Biryani'

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

'The jail staff told me Kasab was served only jail food and not biryani.' 'They told me that Kasab was beaten regularly after court proceedings.' 'And they filled Kasab's bottle with urine so that whenever he felt thirsty he used to drink urine.'

Man Accused of Cyber Trafficking Denied Bail by Bombay High Court

Man Accused of Cyber Trafficking Denied Bail by Bombay High Court

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The Bombay High Court has denied bail to a man accused of trafficking educated youth on the pretext of providing them jobs abroad, only to coerce them to carry out cyber fraud activities.

'Life Support Withdrawal Is About Reducing Suffering, Not Ending Life'

'Life Support Withdrawal Is About Reducing Suffering, Not Ending Life'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

'Families go through turmoil at that time. There is a feeling of guilt and uncertainty, and they do not know what they should be doing.' 'Now that the new judgment has clarified what the procedure is, doctors will be confident enough to talk to the families and explain what is to be done.'

'Vague and broad': SC seeks UP's response to plea against conversion law

'Vague and broad': SC seeks UP's response to plea against conversion law

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court has sought the Uttar Pradesh government's response on a plea challenging certain provisions of the 2024 amended UP law on unlawful religious conversion, citing concerns about free speech and religious propagation.

Chhattisgarh to bring stringent law to prevent tribal conversion

Chhattisgarh to bring stringent law to prevent tribal conversion

Rediff.com4 May 2025

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has announced that his government will introduce a new stringent law to prevent religious conversion of tribal people, and possibly others. He also advocated for the delisting of tribals, removing them from the Scheduled Tribe category if they convert to another religion, saying it will prevent proselytisation.

Subedaar Review: Predictable

Subedaar Review: Predictable

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

What Subedaar lacks is that element of surprise that makes a film worth the viewer's time and willingness to engage, observes Deepa Gahlot.

'Thumbnails, no videos': Wangchuk's wife challenges detention proof in SC

'Thumbnails, no videos': Wangchuk's wife challenges detention proof in SC

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court is reviewing the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk after his wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, alleged that key video evidence used to justify his detention was not properly presented to him.

Death penalty for religious conversion of girls in MP

Death penalty for religious conversion of girls in MP

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced that his government will introduce a provision for the death penalty for religious conversion of girls, mirroring the punishment for rape of minors. This announcement was made at a Women's Day event in Bhopal, where the CM also digitally transferred financial assistance to beneficiaries of various schemes. Yadav stated that the government is committed to protecting and respecting women and will take strict action against those involved in illegal conversions.

Delhi court acquits Brazilian in cocaine case, slams probe lapses

Delhi court acquits Brazilian in cocaine case, slams probe lapses

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

A Delhi court acquitted a Brazilian national in a 2016 cocaine seizure case, citing the prosecution's failure to comply with mandatory provisions of the NDPS Act.

Hoardings in villages barring entry to pastors not unconstitutional: HC

Hoardings in villages barring entry to pastors not unconstitutional: HC

Rediff.com2 Nov 2025

The Chhattisgarh high court has disposed of two petitions seeking the removal of hoardings prohibiting entry to pastors and 'converted Christians' in eight villages, holding that they were installed to prevent forced conversions through allurement or fraudulent means and cannot be termed as unconstitutional.

UP: ED probes Chhangur Baba's Rs 106 cr conversion racket

UP: ED probes Chhangur Baba's Rs 106 cr conversion racket

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating the assets and finances of Jalaluddin alias Chhangur Baba, the alleged mastermind of an illegal religious-conversion racket in Uttar Pradesh. The ED has written to various authorities and banks to gather information and is expected to seek custodial remand for questioning.

The Day Indrani Mukerjea Was Missed

The Day Indrani Mukerjea Was Missed

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

'On August 22, 2015, Shyamvar Rai disclosed to you that he had committed the murder of Sheena Bora along with Rahul Mukerjea.' How would Indrani have reacted to this?

Pakistan's nuclear proliferation scared US, Russia: Report

Pakistan's nuclear proliferation scared US, Russia: Report

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

Newly declassified documents from the United States National Security Archive have revealed that Pakistan's nuclear proliferation was a significant concern for both the US and Russia, with leaders expressing 'nervous' fears about the country's atomic stability.

48 killed in over 2,500 encounters in UP this year, highest in 8 years

48 killed in over 2,500 encounters in UP this year, highest in 8 years

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

Uttar Pradesh Police data reveals a significant increase in the number of alleged criminals killed in encounters in 2025, along with details of actions against illegal religious conversions, cow smuggling, and property recoveries.

Dating During Divorce: Is It Legal?

Dating During Divorce: Is It Legal?

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

'Dating someone during divorce proceedings is legally permissible as long as it does not involve provable physical intimacy,' says lawyer Navaneet Kumar.

'India Should Not Rush To Celebrate Trump's Trade Announcement'

'India Should Not Rush To Celebrate Trump's Trade Announcement'

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

'Trump says India will buy over $500 billion of US goods.' 'At present, India's annual imports of goods and energy from the US are under $50 billion.' 'Reaching $500 billion would likely require more than 20 years, suggesting the figure refers to a long-term aspiration rather than a near-term commitment.'

'Goa Nightclub Fire Was Murder!'

'Goa Nightclub Fire Was Murder!'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

'When an establishment operates despite demolition or closure orders, without proper fire exits, evacuation plans or safety audits, and yet is allowed to host large crowds, the state cannot hide behind the language of accident.' 'The authorities were aware of the risks and of the violations, but chose not to act decisively because doing so would have inconvenienced those with influence and financial stakes.' 'In such a scenario, the moral and legal responsibility for the resulting deaths moves from negligence towards culpability; calling it 'murder' is a way of underlining that these lives were sacrificed at the altar of greed and complicity, not fate.'

Maha Kumbh: Cleric fears mass conversions of Muslims

Maha Kumbh: Cleric fears mass conversions of Muslims

Rediff.com5 Jan 2025

Ahead of the Maha Kumbh, a senior cleric has written to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressing fears that mass conversions of Muslims will take place during the event, while other community leaders have flagged the alleged demand raised by some Hindu seers' body to keep Muslims out of the mega gathering.

Court orders Cong to remove Modi-Adani deepfake

Court orders Cong to remove Modi-Adani deepfake

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

A court in Ahmedabad in Gujarat has directed the Congress and four of its leaders to remove a deep fake video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and industrialist Gautam Adani from social media platforms.