Married Woman Rescued After Habeas Corpus Plea
Noida Police have arrested three people, including a woman, in connection with the alleged forced religious conversion and second marriage of a married woman. The case came to light after the victim’s family filed a habeas corpus petition in the Allahabad High Court. Acting on the court’s directive, police traced the woman to Chennai and presented her before the court on Monday.
The prime accused has been identified as Raja Miyan, also known as Ehsan. His father Bismillah and mother Aneesha Begum were also arrested. Investigators allege that the accused coerced the woman into converting to Islam and arranged for a fake marriage certificate.
How the Woman Met the Accused
According to police, the woman married a man from Kanpur Dehat in 2018. The couple had a son in 2019. However, marital disputes forced her to return to her parental home in 2021. During this period, she started working at a garment factory in Noida’s Sector 63, where she came in contact with Raja Miyan of Bahlolpur, Ghaziabad.
Reports suggest the two grew close over time. After Raksha Bandhan last month, the woman suddenly went missing. Her family suspected Raja Miyan of luring her away. When local police failed to act, the family approached the Allahabad High Court on August 22.
Marriage Despite No Legal Divorce
Investigations revealed that on May 1, cleric Mohammad Ajimuddin allegedly performed marriage rituals at Raja Miyan’s residence. However, the woman had not been legally divorced from her husband. Police say this made the so-called marriage both unlawful and fraudulent.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Noida) Shakti Mohan Awasthi confirmed that Raja Miyan, his father, and mother have been sent to jail. Efforts are ongoing to arrest the cleric and another absconding accused.
Forced Conversion Cases in Uttar Pradesh
This case is not an isolated incident. Uttar Pradesh has witnessed a series of alleged forced conversion cases in recent years. The issue has prompted strict government measures, including the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, commonly referred to as the anti-conversion law.
In many instances, police have intervened after families alleged that women were lured into relationships, coerced into religious conversions, and then married under false pretenses. Authorities maintain that such cases often involve fraudulent documents and marriages conducted without valid divorces.
For example, in Meerut and Bareilly, police reported multiple cases where young women were allegedly pressured to change their religion before marriage. Similar complaints were registered in Ghaziabad, Kanpur, and Prayagraj. In each case, investigations highlighted patterns of fraud, coercion, and community-level tensions.
Government and Legal Response
The Uttar Pradesh government has taken a strong stance against unlawful conversions. Under the 2021 law, forced conversions through coercion, deceit, or marriage are punishable by jail terms ranging from one to ten years, depending on the circumstances.
Supporters of the law argue that it protects vulnerable women from exploitation. Critics, however, say it risks misuse and may target interfaith couples who marry by choice. Despite these debates, the law has led to increased vigilance and police action across the state.
The Noida case will now be closely watched as a test of how strictly authorities implement the law. Legal experts suggest that if the fake marriage certificate and forced conversion charges are proven, the accused could face serious legal consequences.
Community Concerns and Social Impact
The incident has once again sparked discussions on women’s safety, religious freedom, and interfaith marriages. Community leaders have urged stricter monitoring of such cases to prevent fraud and coercion. Activists, meanwhile, stress the importance of protecting women’s choices while ensuring they are not forced into life-changing decisions against their will.
Police have assured strict action against all those involved in the Noida case. The victim is now back with her family, and authorities are working to ensure her safety as the trial progresses.