Tension was reported in Mathura’s Govardhan area after a young woman was allegedly taken away and married after being converted to Islam. The woman’s family has accused a man from Mukharai village of luring her away and conducting a nikah after the alleged conversion.
Following the incident, local residents and Hindu organisations demanded the arrest of the accused, identified as Mustaq Khan.
Villagers Hold Protest Outside Accused’s Village
On Friday, residents of Basonti village reached Mukharai in buses under the leadership of Chitragupt Peethadhishwar Swami Sachchidanand Maharaj. The group began a protest demanding the accused’s arrest.
Police reached the spot after receiving information about the gathering. Govardhan Circle Officer Anil Kumar Singh and a large police force were deployed in the area.
Police officials spoke to the protesters and tried to persuade them to end the demonstration. Additional personnel were deployed in Mukharai to prevent any escalation.
The villagers said such incidents would not be tolerated and demanded immediate action against the accused.
Police Register Case
According to police, a young woman from a village under the Radhakund police outpost area was allegedly taken away by Mukharai resident Mustaq Khan on September 18.
The woman’s father subsequently approached the police and alleged that she had been taken away after being misled and was later converted and married.
Based on the complaint, police registered a case under Sections 3 and 5 of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act and Section 87 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police are searching for both the accused and the woman. The allegations of forced or unlawful conversion and the circumstances surrounding the marriage are part of the ongoing investigation.
Family Had Earlier Reached Mukharai
The woman’s relatives and other villagers had also reached Mukharai on Thursday, reportedly demanding the accused’s arrest.
The gathering created tension in the village, following which police from several stations were deployed. Officers spoke to the villagers and attempted to control the situation.
A village meeting was also held on Thursday evening and continued for around two hours. According to villagers, a decision was taken to socially boycott Mustaq Khan and his family. They also reportedly decided to boycott anyone who helps the accused’s family.
