Srinagar, May 19: Police have registered a case in north Kashmir’s Kupwara to investigate the alleged religious conversion of an 17-year-old boy from Uttar Pradesh, officials said on Tuesday.
An FIR (No. 133/2026) has been lodged after the family of Vishal, a resident of Bijnor, alleged that he was taken to Kupwara on the pretext of learning a trade and was later converted to Islam. Police said a formal investigation has been initiated and urged people not to spread unverified information.
Authorities in both Jammu and Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh are coordinating to ascertain the facts, including whether any coercion was involved. A person identified as Waseem, who allegedly brought the boy to Kashmir, has also been named in the case registered by UP Police.
Officials said the matter came to light after the family received a video in which the minor boy reportedly announced his conversion.
The development follows a similar controversy reported in Srinagar in April 2024 involving a Haryana resident. Police had then registered a case citing concerns over potential disturbance to communal harmony, though the individual later claimed he had converted voluntarily.
Police said investigations in the present case are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. (Agencies)
