Daijiworld Media Network - Bareilly

Bareilly, Jan 24: Police in Moradabad have registered an FIR under Section 3 of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act against five minor Muslim girls, aged 15 to 17, for allegedly persuading their 16-year-old Hindu friend to wear a burqa. The incident reportedly took place on December 12, 2025, but came to light after the victim’s brother, Daksh Chaudhary, filed a complaint on Friday.

According to authorities, anyone found guilty under the law, especially involving a minor, could face rigorous imprisonment ranging from 5 to 14 years. Moradabad SP (Rural) Kunwar Akash Singh told reporters that the FIR was registered immediately after the complaint and investigations are ongoing.

Section 3 of the anti-conversion law prohibits conversions obtained through misrepresentation, force, fraud, undue influence, coercion, or allurement.

Chaudhary said his sister had been interacting with one of the accused for around two months and often went out with her. “The five girls who made my sister wear a burqa may have had some ill intentions. That’s why I approached the Bilari police station,” he said.

A short video of the incident circulated on social media, showing the girls in a narrow alley. One of them is seen wearing a burqa while the others appear to be assisting her. A police officer familiar with the case said, “The accused and the Hindu girl are friends, and all are minors. They were on their way to a restaurant near the victim’s brother’s shop. Fearful of being noticed, the Hindu girl may have put on her friends’ burqa.”

Since the matter involves minors, the police have stated that the girls cannot be taken into immediate custody, and further investigation is underway to determine their backgrounds and the motive behind the incident.