Agra ISIS-Style Conversion Gang Busted by Police
Agra Police Bust ISIS-Style Conversion Syndicate Targeting Hindu Girls
In a dramatic operation codenamed ‘Operation Asmita’, Agra Police uncovered a radical Islamist conversion syndicate allegedly linked to global terror funding and domestic religious radicalisation. The gang reportedly operated using ISIS-style tactics, targeting young Hindu girls for conversion through coercion and indoctrination.
The investigation was launched in March 2025, following a missing person report filed at Sadar Bazar police station for two sisters. What began as a routine case quickly snowballed into a transnational trail of radicalisation, fake identities, and religious extremism.
Radicalisation and Recruitment: How the Girls Were Targeted
According to police officials, the syndicate relied on local recruiters, religious propaganda, and covert online sessions to manipulate young minds. Social media channels and YouTube platforms played a key role in spreading jihadist ideologies under the guise of religious preaching.
In the current case, the elder sister, an M.Phil graduate pursuing a Ph.D. in Zoology, was reportedly radicalised in 2021 during coaching classes in Agra. She came in contact with a Kashmiri woman named Saima, who invited her to visit Kashmir, triggering her ideological shift.
Her family recalled that after her return from Kashmir, she began rejecting Hindu customs, wore a hijab, and insisted on offering Namaz. Despite being brought back earlier, she disappeared again in March 2025, this time taking her 19-year-old sister with her. Both were later traced to Kolkata after a swift police operation.
The family alleged that the elder daughter’s influence over her younger sister was significant. They believe the girls were brainwashed and coerced into embracing Islamic practices and eventually forced towards nikah marriages.
Syndicate Funding and International Links Exposed
Investigators revealed that the group was backed by funds linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), routed through Canada, UAE, London, and the US. A woman identified as Ayesha alias SB Krishna, based in Goa, allegedly managed the financial operations. She received international remittances from Syed Dawood Ahmed, a Canada-based handler.
The legal and documentation aspects of the syndicate were handled by Ayesha’s husband, Shekhar Rai alias Hasan Ali, who operated from Kolkata. His role included forging documents for religious conversions and identity changes.
Despite mounting evidence, Shekhar Rai’s family claims he is innocent. “All accusations against him are false. We appeal to Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to ensure justice is done,” said a relative.
A Pattern of Syndicated Forced Conversions in Uttar Pradesh
This recent bust adds to a growing list of coordinated forced conversion networks exposed across Uttar Pradesh since 2021. Notable past cases include:
- Maulana Umar Gautam’s network in Delhi-NCR
- Maulana Kaleem Siddiqui’s ring in western UP
- The Balrampur case involving Chhangur Baba alias Jamaluddin
Authorities are treating the Agra case as one of the most well-organized operations, with direct foreign funding, online radicalisation, and a structured legal backup. Police continue to question multiple suspects and trace digital transactions.
Public Outcry and Political Implications
The case has triggered strong public reactions and calls for stricter laws against religious conversions by force or deceit. Many social media users are demanding that central agencies such as the NIA step in to investigate the cross-border terror finance angle.
Meanwhile, political leaders from the ruling BJP have demanded tougher enforcement against groups operating conversion rackets under religious pretexts. The Yogi Adityanath-led UP government, which has already enacted an anti-conversion law, is expected to further tighten security protocols in the coming weeks.