Why Gujarat HC rejected discharge plea of 5 accused in 2021 Bharuch ‘forced religious conversion’ case
Indian Express·1h ago·Neutral
What Happened
Gujarat High Court rejected discharge pleas from five accused, including two Muslim clerics, in a 2021 Bharuch case involving alleged conversion of 100 tribals from 35 Hindu families since 2006. The court found prima facie evidence under Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, 2003. Prosecution presented 21 witness statements alleging lectures, financial inducements, and coerced conversions through marriage. Court noted large-scale conspiracy targeting SC/ST communities.
Key Entities
Gujarat High CourtJustice Gita GopiYusuf Jivan PatelAyub Barkat PatelIbrahim Puna PatelYakub Ibrahim ShankarRizwan Mehboob PatelBharuch districtAmod Police StationGujarat Freedom of Religion Act 2003