Minor Boy, Father Booked Under Karnataka's Anti-Conversion Law For Alleged Unlawful Conversion Of Classmate To Islam

A minor boy and his father in Parashurampura, Chitradurga district, Karnataka, have been booked under the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act 2022, commonly known as the anti-conversion law.

As reported by Indian Express, the complaint was filed on 29 October by the father of another minor boy, alleging that his son, belonging to the Kuruba community, was converted to Islam by his classmate and the classmate's father.

The complainant noticed changes in his son's behaviour, including the cessation of Hindu rituals and refusal to partake in Dussehra celebrations.

Upon inspection, he discovered photos of his son engaged in namaz and Islamic materials were found in his bag.

The complainant further claimed that the accused minor and his father took his son to various mosques in Chitradurga district without consent.

The case has been registered under section 5 of the 2022 Act, which prohibits conversion through misrepresentation, force, fraud, undue influence, coercion, allurement, or the promise of marriage.

The accused minor boy's father, who owns a cycle repair shop and was reportedly friends with the complainant's family, is also under investigation.

While no arrests have been made, statements have been collected from both parties, and the police are conducting a thorough investigation.

Chitradurga Superintendent of Police Dharmendra Kumar Meena stated that details are being gathered from both the victim and the accused as part of the ongoing inquiry.