Lucknow. New allegations have come to light during the investigation in the alleged conversion case related to King George Medical University (KGMU) located in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh. Investigations by the Special Task Force (STF) and the police have claimed to have revealed that examples of Bollywood’s Hindu-Muslim couples were used to influence medical students to convert to religion. It is alleged that by portraying these couples as ideals, an attempt was made to change the thinking of the girl students and motivate them for religious conversion. In this case, the role of resident doctor Rameez and a junior resident (JR) associated with Islam is under investigation. Based on the statements of the victims, STF is now busy collecting evidence related to these allegations.
According to the information, STF and police investigating the alleged conversion activities in KGMU have received many important information from the statements of the victim girl students. The girl students have alleged that different methods were used to influence them to convert to religion. These also included giving examples of famous Hindu-Muslim couples of the film world. It is alleged that by presenting these couples as role models, an attempt was made to explain that relationships between people of different religions are normal and there should not be any hesitation regarding religious conversion.
However, marriage between persons of different religions or giving examples of such relationships is not a crime in itself. The main subject of investigation is whether through these examples undue pressure was put on the girl students to convert to religion or whether an organized effort was made to influence them in some way.
After the name of Resident Doctor Rameez surfaced in the case, the investigating agencies are investigating various aspects related to his alleged role. Along with this, allegations have also come to light regarding the role of a junior resident. It is being told that the victims have given information in this regard in their statements. The investigating agencies are now trying to find out what kind of conversations were held with the girl students and whether there was any planned activity behind it.
The biggest challenge before the STF is to collect independent evidence corroborating the statements of the victims. During the investigation, it will be necessary to clarify under what circumstances the alleged conversation took place, who was involved in it and whether the girl students were actually instigated to convert. For this, the investigating agencies are matching the available information.
This aspect of the investigation has become important after mention of Bollywood’s Hindu-Muslim couples came to light in the statements of the victims. It is alleged that while explaining to the girl students, references were made to the personal lives of film personalities and their relationships. What was the motive behind such conversation is yet to be confirmed through investigation.
The emergence of such allegations in a prestigious educational institution like a medical university is being considered a serious matter. Students from different parts of the country come here to get medical education. In such a situation, an impartial investigation into complaints of any kind of alleged religious pressure or undue influence in the educational environment is necessary. There is also a question before the investigating agencies that if such activities took place, what was their scope and whether similar conversations were held with other girl students also.
The statements of the victims remain an important link in the investigation in the case. STF and police are trying to verify the facts revealed in these statements. Mere allegations will not be enough to determine the role of any person during the investigation, but credible evidence to support them will also be necessary.
The investigating agencies in the alleged conversion case are also trying to clarify whether the conversation with the girl students was limited to general personal discussion or there was some specific purpose behind it to inspire religious conversion. This distinction is important from a legal point of view. Holding a person’s religious beliefs, discussing them or supporting inter-religious marriage and forcing someone to convert illegally are different matters.
Special legal provisions exist in Uttar Pradesh for cases related to illegal religious conversion. In such cases, allegations of conversion through fraud, inducement, pressure or other prohibited means are investigated. However, which allegations are confirmed in this KGMU case and which legal provisions will be invoked will depend on the findings of the investigation.
At present, the investigating agencies are busy in the process of collecting evidence regarding the allegations against Resident Doctor Rameez and the concerned Junior Resident. The final conclusion regarding the veracity of the allegations, the role of the individuals concerned and the existence of any alleged gang has not been revealed.
In this case, the statements of the victims have given a new direction to the investigation. The STF is now trying to find out what was the real intention behind citing the example of Bollywood couples and whether it was used as a means to influence girl students to convert.
The alleged conversion episode of KGMU is no longer limited to just personal allegations, but has also included questions like safety of girl students, educational environment and alleged undue religious pressure. Only further action by the investigating agencies and examination of evidence will make it clear that the victims
