Doctor among 3 booked for forced religious conversion in Mangaluru

MANGALURU: An FIR has been lodged against three people, including a woman doctor, for allegedly trying to forcibly convert a girl into Islam in Mangaluru.

Based on a complaint from the mother of the victim Shivani, the police have filed an FIR against Khaleel, Dr Jameela and Aiman under the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022.

As per the complaint filed by the victim’s mother, Shivani used to recharge her mobile phone at a shop belonging to one Khaleel. He befriended her and promised her that she will get a good job and money in 2021.

“He took her to his relative’s house, where she was then allegedly forced to offer namaz and recite the Quran. Also, he has changed her name to Ayesha. Khaleel had also allegedly sexually assaulted her”, the complaint said. Thereafter, she was taken to a different location for a new job.

The complaint said that her daughter joined Dr Jameela’s house for a job, where she was forced to wear burqa. At the same time, a person named Aiman contacted her on Instagram and forced her to get into a relationship with him. Shivani has now demanded action against Khalel, Dr Jameela and Aiman for allegedly forcing her to convert to Islam.

“I was working in a fancy store. I met Khaleel in the mobile shop and he talked to me about religion. I learnt how to offer namaz at his relative’s place. When I returned from there, I went to Kerala for work. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I returned to the city and started working at Dr Jameela’s house where I did cooking and cleaning. They named me Ayesha, and they made me wear a burqa. The doctor also instructed me to pray”, the girl said.

Shivani Poojary talking to the media following the complaint

“When I said I will quit the job, she did not allow me to do so. I didn’t inform her and I came back home. She then sent me a voice message saying she will lodge a complaint at the police station”, Shivani added.

Surekha, VHP Durga Vahini president

“We condemn this act of attempting to convert a Hindu woman. I appeal that they should be arrested. She belonged to a poor family and they took advantage of that. Khaleel sent her to a relative’s place where she was trained. Dr Jameela’s intention was sinister and she forced to pray. Basically it was a trap and they tortured and mentally and physically assaulted the girl”, said Surekha, VHP Durga Vahini president.