CBI registers FIR on forced conversion case in Malda, WB, 7 individuals named

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered an FIR against seven individuals on the orders of the Calcutta High Court in a case of alleged forced conversion in Malda district.

This marks the first conversion-related case being investigated by the CBI in the state. The incident took place in November 2021 in Madanpur village, where Buddhu Mandal and Gaurang Mandal were allegedly coerced into converting to Islam.

The CBI initiated a preliminary investigation and submitted a report to the court based on which the court ordered a CBI inquiry. The Special Crime Branch of the CBI has registered the case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including forcible detention, kidnapping, outraging religious beliefs, and giving provocative speeches prejudicial to religion.

According to reports, on November 24, 2021, a resident of Kaliachak in Malda district went missing. The state government claimed that both individuals had voluntarily converted to Islam following their defeat in the assembly elections. However, two women, who are sisters, filed a court case alleging that their husbands were forcibly converted due to their association with the opposition party.

The case proceeded in the Calcutta High Court, which ordered a CBI inquiry after reviewing the preliminary investigation report submitted by the agency in May. On June 6, the CBI registered the FIR against Naju Sheikh, Habib Sheikh, Muktdul Sheikh, Khurshid Sheikh, Tinu Sheikh, Rabiul Sheikh, and others based on the court's directive.

In the CBI's initial probe, it was revealed that the two sisters had lodged a complaint with the police, stating that their husbands were forcibly converted to Islam and were being compelled to offer Namaz (Islamic prayers).

The husbands were also allegedly instructed to return but failed to appear in court. Subsequently, when attempts were made to take custody of the brothers in the presence of the local Muslim community, strong opposition was encountered.