Minor Girl Rescued From Alleged Terror Plot: Forced Conversion And Jihad Training Network Uncovered From Prayagraj To Kerala

Authorities in Uttar Pradesh have uncovered a suspected network allegedly targeting poor and Dalit girls for forced religious conversion and potential jihad training, following the rescue of a minor girl from Kerala who had been missing since early May.

As per a India Today report, the case emerged after Guddi Devi, a resident of Lilhat village in Prayagraj, lodged a complaint on 28 June, reporting her daughter’s disappearance and alleging she had been taken by local woman Kahkashan, also known as Darkasha Bano, who promised her money and a better life.

The girl, who went missing on the night of 8 May after attending a wedding in her village, was allegedly lured by Bano and later accompanied by Mohammad Kaif, who transported both women to Prayagraj Railway Junction. DCP Ganga Nagar, Kuldeep Singh Gunawat, stated, “During this, the victim was also molested in the (sic) Kaif.”

The victim recounted that from Prayagraj, she and Bano travelled to Delhi and then to Thrissur in Kerala, where she was taken to a house with several other girls and men with long beards.

She claimed they pressured her to convert to Islam and discussed training her for jihad. Frightened, she fled to Thrissur railway station, where local police rescued her and placed her under the Child Welfare Committee’s care.

Bano and Kaif have since been arrested. DCP Gunawat said, “From the above mentioned report, it is known that the accused Bano is a part of an organised gang also involved in terrorist and anti-national activities by luring poor and Dalit girls, brainwashing them and forcing them to convert their religion.”

Taj Mohammad, reportedly contacted repeatedly by Bano during the journey, is now being sought by Kerala Police. Gunawat added, “A thorough investigation is being conducted into the activities of Darkasha Bano. Strict action will be taken against others found involved.”

Police have deployed security at the victim’s residence and formed three dedicated teams to probe further links in this case, which has raised alarms about trafficking and radicalisation networks operating across state lines.

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