Prayagraj Police Apprehend Trio in Decade-Long Captivity and Forced Conversion Case
A coordinated operation by a joint team from Jethwara, SWAT, and the surveillance unit of Pratapgarh police culminated on Thursday with the arrest of three absconding individuals. The accused are implicated in the harrowing case of a Madhya Pradesh-based man who was held captive for an entire decade and subjected to forced religious conversion.
Reward Announced and Swift Arrest
On Wednesday, the police had declared a cash reward of Rs 25,000 each for information leading to the capture of the three suspects. The individuals, identified as Nizamuddin alias Nizam (33), Safiujjama alias Kalloo (65), and Naimuddin alias Naeem (60), all residents of Kutilia village, were swiftly located and apprehended.
The arrest occurred near Tantrik crossing as the trio was allegedly making plans to depart from the town, according to an official statement. This timely intervention prevented their escape and brought them into custody.
Details of the Captivity and Legal Charges
The victim, Santosh Shukla, aged 40, was reportedly held hostage by Badrul Jama at his residence in Pratapgarh for the past 12 years. After his forced conversion, Shukla was allegedly renamed Sher Khan, highlighting the severe nature of the ordeal. Badrul Jama was previously arrested on Monday, setting the stage for the pursuit of his accomplices.
Shukla's escape on Sunday marked a turning point in the case. Following three unsuccessful attempts, he managed to flee and reach the Derwa police outpost, where he filed a report. His initial encounter with Jama and the other accused dates back to 2014 in Chhattisgarh, indicating a long-standing association that turned exploitative.
The arrested individuals face serious legal repercussions. They have been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 3/5(1) of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act 2021. These charges underscore the gravity of their alleged actions, involving unlawful confinement and forced religious conversion.
Broader Implications and Investigation
This case sheds light on critical issues of personal liberty and religious freedom in the region. The prolonged captivity of Shukla, spanning over a decade, raises concerns about the mechanisms for preventing such atrocities and ensuring swift justice.
The police investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining the full extent of the accused's activities and any potential links to broader networks. The successful arrest of the trio demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement efforts in tackling complex criminal cases.
As the legal process unfolds, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and robust legal frameworks to protect individuals from coercion and exploitation. The community and authorities alike are urged to remain alert to such violations to prevent future occurrences.
