Kanpur Youth's Tragic Suicide Ignites Family's Allegations of Religious Conversion Pressure
A deeply distressing incident has unfolded in the Panki area of Kanpur, where a 23-year-old youth died by suicide on Thursday. The family of the deceased has come forward with grave allegations, claiming that he was subjected to persistent harassment and intense pressure to undergo religious conversion, which they believe drove him to take his own life.
Viral Video Fuels Controversy and Family's Demands
On Friday, a video surfaced online that has since gone viral, adding a chilling dimension to the case. In this recording, the deceased can purportedly be heard stating that he was ending his life due to the relentless harassment he faced over religious conversion. The family asserts that this video was recorded several days prior to his tragic death, and they are now demanding swift and decisive action against those responsible, despite the fact that no specific individuals are named in the footage.
In response to the video's widespread circulation, family members placed the body near their residence, creating a significant commotion as they vociferously called for justice. Police officials promptly arrived at the scene upon receiving information, working to pacify the agitated family members and assure them of a thorough investigation.
Family's Account and Allegations of Forced Conversion
The deceased's sister provided a harrowing account of the events leading up to the suicide. She revealed that on January 26, her brother traveled to Lucknow to visit his younger sibling's house. During this visit, he was visibly distressed, crying and speaking about being forced into religious conversion. According to her testimony, four individuals allegedly met him on the train, physically assaulted him, and then took him to a shrine in Charbagh. This narrative has intensified the family's calls for a comprehensive investigation and stringent action against the accused.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
Kanpur Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal has confirmed that the deceased, a Class 12 passout, operated a grocery shop and had previously worked as an autorickshaw driver. The police have acknowledged the sensitivity of the case and stated that they are actively probing the viral video and the allegations made by the family, particularly those from the deceased's sister.
In light of the serious nature of the accusations, a formal case has been registered under relevant legal sections. Authorities have emphasized that any legal action will be contingent upon the findings of the ongoing investigation, and they are committed to following due process based on the family's complaint.
The incident has sparked widespread concern in the community, highlighting issues of religious pressure and mental health. As the investigation proceeds, the family continues to seek justice, hoping that their son's tragic death will not be in vain and that those responsible will be held accountable.
