Woman alleges forced religious conversion, abandonment after marriage; seeks police intervention

Bengaluru : A serious allegation of forced religious conversion under the guise of love and marriage has emerged in Bengaluru, with a woman accusing her husband of deceit, coercion, and abandonment. The woman has approached senior police officials, including the Bengaluru Police Commissioner, seeking justice and action against the accused.

According to the complaint, a Muslim man allegedly married a Hindu woman after gaining her trust through a long-term relationship, later forcing her to convert to Islam, abandoning her after the birth of two children, and marrying another woman without legally divorcing her. The woman has claimed that when she questioned his actions, he threatened her with talaq.

The complainant, identified as Rita, a resident of Devarajeevanahalli, stated that she met the accused, Farvez, a resident of DJ Halli, in 2015 while studying PUC at a private college. Over time, the two developed a relationship, and Farvez allegedly pressured her to reciprocate his love. Rita claimed that during the relationship, Farvez assured her that he would not force her to convert to Islam and that her religious identity would be respected even after marriage.

Despite these assurances, Rita’s family initially opposed the marriage, expressing concerns about interfaith unions and their long-term sustainability. However, Farvez reportedly convinced the family that Rita would remain a Hindu and would not be asked to change her religion. Based on these promises, the couple went ahead with the marriage on December 15, 2019, despite opposition from relatives.

Rita alleged that after the marriage, Farvez began pressuring her to convert to Islam, threatening to divorce her if she refused. Fearing separation and social consequences, she claimed she was forced to convert and was renamed Sadia Tabassum. The couple later had two children.

However, the woman alleged that soon after her conversion, Farvez abandoned her and failed to take responsibility for her and the children. She further claimed that he married another woman without legally divorcing her. When questioned about the second marriage, she alleged that Farvez threatened her with talaq instead of addressing her concerns.

The woman said she initially lodged a complaint at the DJ Halli police station, accusing her husband of forced conversion, cheating, cruelty, and abandonment. However, alleging inaction at the local level, she escalated the matter by submitting representations to the Director General of Police (DGP), Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Bengaluru Police Commissioner, urging them to ensure a fair investigation and provide her justice.

Police sources said the complaint is under examination, and further action will be taken after verification of facts. The case has once again brought attention to allegations of coercion and exploitation in interfaith marriages, highlighting the need for careful legal scrutiny and protection of individual rights.