Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered a case in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district over the alleged religious conversion of an 18-year-old barber from Uttar Pradesh. Officials confirmed that an FIR has been lodged under relevant legal provisions and investigation has begun.
“A case relating to alleged religious conversion has been reported in Kupwara. Cognisance has been taken and an FIR has been registered,” a senior police official said.
Police have also appealed to the public not to circulate rumours or unverified claims while the matter is under investigation.
UP youth identified as Vishal from Bijnor
The youth has been identified as Vishal, a resident of Bijnor district in Uttar Pradesh. According to officials and the complaint filed by his family, Vishal had travelled to Jammu and Kashmir a few years ago to work in a salon.
His father, Krishna Kumar, alleged that his son was a minor and had been taken to Kashmir under the pretext of learning work in a barber shop.
“My son is a minor. He was taken away from home on the pretext of job training and later pressured,” the father said in his complaint, demanding action against those involved.
Allegations of conversion and social media video
The case came to light after a video surfaced on social media showing the youth allegedly embracing Islam at a local mosque in Kupwara. In the video, he is reportedly seen reciting religious declarations, after which he is said to have adopted the name “Hamza.”
According to reports, villagers claimed the conversion took place at a mosque in the region and that several people were present during the event. A written declaration stating that the conversion was voluntary has also been mentioned in local accounts.
However, the family has disputed this claim, alleging coercion and manipulation.
Counter claims and denial by accused family
The family of a man named Waseem, who has been accused in the case, has denied all allegations. Waseem’s mother said her son is being falsely implicated.
“All this is wrong. My child would never do something like this,” she said, adding that Vishal had not been in contact with her son for the past several years.
She claimed the accusations were being made without evidence and should be investigated properly.
Parallel FIR in Uttar Pradesh
Alongside Jammu and Kashmir, police in Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor district have also registered a case after the father filed a complaint alleging that his minor son was lured and taken to Kashmir under false promises.
The complainant alleged that his son was influenced and pressured into changing his faith, claims which are now being examined by police.
Officials said both UP Police and J&K Police are coordinating and investigating the matter from different angles.
Police urge caution, investigation underway
Authorities in both states have urged the public not to spread unverified information on social media, warning that it may disturb communal harmony.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and the exact circumstances surrounding the alleged conversion, including the age of the youth and whether any coercion took place, will be verified based on evidence.
