The Uttar Pradesh police have been actively investigating and cracking down on alleged "Love Jihad" networks, with recent cases shedding light on the purported "working style" of these groups. "Love Jihad" is a conspiracy theory that accuses Muslim men of deceiving Hindu women into romantic relationships in order to convert them to Islam.
Recent investigations by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) have uncovered alleged details about how these networks operate. In one instance, the ATS arrested Rashid, an associate of Chhangur Baba, who is believed to be a key figure in a large-scale religious conversion racket. Chhangur Baba allegedly entrusted Rashid with handling the "Love Jihad" wing of the syndicate. Investigators claim that the group targeted Hindu women, as well as individuals from Scheduled Castes and economically weaker sections, exploiting their emotional and religious vulnerabilities. They lured people with promises of prosperity, fulfilled wishes, or miraculous healing.
Another case involves Mohammad Ali, formerly known as Piyush Panwar, who was arrested in connection with an illegal religious conversion racket. According to reports, Ali converted to Islam in 2021 to marry a Muslim woman named Shana, who later rejected him after the conversion. Ali claimed that he was also a victim and wished to reconvert to Hinduism.
In July 2025, the UP Police busted a large-scale illegal religious conversion racket, arresting 10 people from six states. The investigation began after two sisters were reported missing in Agra. Police investigations revealed that the sisters were allegedly coerced into religious conversion and were undergoing radicalization.
According to the police, the individuals arrested played various roles within the network, including receiving illicit funds, providing safe houses, offering legal advice, and providing other assistance to facilitate conversions and radicalization. The Agra Commissioner of Police stated that the "modus operandi of the gang involved illegal conversion and radicalization bears a signature of ISIS".
These cases have prompted the Uttar Pradesh government to take strict action against such activities. The Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2021, was enacted to combat illegal conversions through marriage, deceit, coercion, or enticement. The law declares religious conversion for marriage a non-bailable offense, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison.
However, the application of this law has also faced criticism. Some claim that it has been misused to target Muslim men and that many cases are based on false statements. According to lawyers, convictions under the anti-conversion law have been few.
The concept of "Love Jihad" itself is a controversial one. It is viewed by some as an Islamophobic conspiracy theory propagated by right-wing groups. Critics argue that it promotes fear and paranoia and disregards women's autonomy and right to choose. On the other hand, some consider "Love Jihad" as a real threat, with claims that Hindu girls are being lured into relationships for illegal conversion. Some have also alleged that the objective is to create conditions similar to those in Pakistan and Bangladesh.
