Hyderabad: Pakistani-Origin Man Allegedly Conducts Love Jihad, Converts Hindu Woman

National News: Hyderabad has witnessed a troubling case of alleged love jihad, with a woman named Kirti filing a complaint against her husband, Fawah, a man of Pakistani origin, at the Lunger House police station. According to Kirti, Fawah trapped her in a relationship by hiding his nationality and using illegal documents, ultimately forcing her to convert from Hinduism. The couple married in 2016, but for the past two and a half years, their relationship had been strained, and they were living separately. Kirti claims that Fawah has now left her and is living with another woman named Jahabin Fatima.

Kirti told police that she was unaware of her husband’s Pakistani origin and alleged that Fawah’s family presented all Indian documents to hide the truth. She further claimed that he has threatened her life if she refuses to divorce him. Police are investigating the matter further.

This case is part of a larger pattern of so-called love jihad cases in India, where individuals are accused of luring people into interreligious relationships with the intention of forced conversion. While the phenomenon is widely debated and often controversial, such cases highlight the need for awareness and caution in online and offline relationships.

Understanding Love Jihad Cases in India

“Love jihad” is a term commonly used in India to describe alleged cases where individuals, often from one religious community, are accused of luring people from another religion into romantic relationships or marriage with the intent to convert them to their religion. While the term is controversial and debated, these cases have gained attention across several states, leading to legal, social, and political discussions.

Not all interfaith relationships are cases of love jihad

Most reported cases involve young men and women entering into romantic relationships online or offline. Authorities and affected families claim that some individuals deliberately hide their religious identity or background, using deception to gain trust and manipulate their partners. Once trust is established, the accused may pressure or coerce their partners into conversion, marriage, or other decisions that align with the alleged plan.

It is important to note that not all interfaith relationships are cases of love jihad. Many relationships are genuine, consensual, and based on mutual respect. However, certain patterns have been reported repeatedly in complaints and police investigations:

• Concealing identity: Some alleged perpetrators are accused of hiding their nationality, religion, or marital history. They may provide false documents or misrepresent their family background to gain trust.
• Forced conversion: In some cases, the alleged goal is to convert the partner’s religion, often after marriage, sometimes under social or emotional pressure.
• Online exploitation: With the rise of matrimonial sites and dating apps, some individuals have used digital platforms to approach unsuspecting partners. Fake profiles, misleading personal information, and fraudulent intentions are reported frequently.
• Financial exploitation: Alongside religious motives, there have been instances where fraudsters demand money, citing emergencies or travel expenses, as part of the deception.

States like Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Karnataka have reported multiple cases, leading to legal scrutiny and discussions about stricter laws. Authorities often urge people to verify identities, understand legal implications, and report suspicious behavior to prevent becoming victims.

Important Precautions

Authorities and relationship experts suggest several precautions for those using matrimonial sites:

• Verify the site’s credibility: Before registering, users should thoroughly check a website’s reputation. Reading online reviews and learning from other users’ experiences can help identify trustworthy platforms. Established sites with robust verification systems reduce the risk of encountering fake profiles.
• Monitor profile changes: Frequent alterations in a person’s details, such as city, religion, or occupation, should raise suspicion. Fraudsters often change their information to avoid detection.
• Avoid monetary transactions: Requests for money, whether for emergencies, travel, or other personal reasons, are a common method used by fraudsters. Experts advise stopping all communication and reporting suspicious accounts immediately.
• Beware of rushed commitments: Pressure to marry within a few days of online interaction is a warning sign. Genuine relationships require time to build trust, and hasty decisions can lead to future regrets.
• Understand legal procedures for inter-religious marriage: Particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh, individuals planning an inter-religious marriage must be aware of the legal requirements. The UP “Dharma Parivartan Kanoon” mandates a proper legal process for religious conversion related to marriage, and failure to comply can result in serious consequences.

Awareness and caution are key

As online matrimonial platforms continue to grow in popularity, awareness and caution are key. Experts emphasize that by staying vigilant and informed, individuals can pursue their quest for love safely, minimizing the risk of falling prey to online fraud. In a city steeped in tradition and spiritual values, the new challenge of digital fraud reminds residents that modern solutions, while convenient, also come with responsibilities and risks.