Woman Alleges Pressure for Religious Conversion by Muslim Husband and Accomplices [Belgaum, Karnataka]

(Reported as seen)

Belgaum, Karnataka: A 28-year-old married woman has accused her Muslim husband and others of pressuring her to convert to Islam, citing threats and coercion, including the removal of her Kumkum (vermillion) and insistence on wearing a burqa.

The woman, who got married in 2013 and has two children, alleges that her troubles began when her husband, Rafiq, started frequenting her shop in 2020. Despite initially just conversing, their acquaintance soon blossomed into friendship, eventually culminating in a romantic relationship. When her husband discovered the affair, it led to a heated argument, resulting in the woman leaving her marital home.

However, she returned after a brief separation, only to find herself subjected to renewed pressure and coercion. Rafiq allegedly resorted to showing her private photos and issuing threats to compel her to convert to Islam. Despite her resistance, the situation escalated, with Rafiq and his associates insisting on her wearing a burqa and performing the five-time Muslim prayers.

Feeling trapped and harassed, the woman filed a police complaint detailing her ordeal. Acting on her complaint, the Belgaum police registered a case against seven individuals under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including sections related to rape and criminal intimidation, as well as the Karnataka Freedom of Religion Act, among others. Subsequently, Rafiq and his wife were arrested.

Belgaum Police Superintendent Bhimashankar Guleed clarified that the case has been registered based on the woman’s statement, and stringent action is being taken against the accused. The arrests underscore the gravity of the allegations and highlight the importance of upholding religious freedom and individual autonomy in marital relationships.

The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals in interfaith marriages and the need for greater awareness and legal safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals from coercion and undue pressure to change their religion. It also highlights the role of law enforcement agencies in ensuring justice and safeguarding the rights of individuals, irrespective of their religious beliefs.