In a disturbing case highlighting the perils of forced conversions and sexual exploitation, authorities in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar district arrested 19-year-old Samsuddin Ansari on August 10, 2025, for allegedly kidnapping a 17-year-old Hindu girl, raping her, and coercing her into converting her religion. The incident, which unfolded over several days, has sparked outrage and renewed discussions on the effectiveness of anti-conversion laws in the state.

The ordeal began when the girl's mother filed a complaint on August 4, reporting that Ansari, a resident of the Kasya police station area, had abducted her daughter. Acting swiftly, Superintendent of Police Santosh Kumar Mishra assembled specialized teams to track down the accused and rescue the victim. Their efforts paid off on Sunday, when the girl was safely recovered, and Ansari was apprehended.

During interrogation, Ansari confessed to luring the minor with false promises and transporting her to Mumbai. There, he allegedly forced her to convert to Islam, changed her name to Rehana Khatoon, and even procured a fraudulent Aadhaar card in the new identity to solidify the deception. The police revealed that the rape occurred during this period of captivity, adding layers of trauma to the young victim's experience.

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Station House Officer (SHO) Amit Kumar Sharma of Kasya Police Station confirmed these details, emphasizing the accused's calculated actions. Charges have been filed under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 64 for rape, Section 87 for kidnapping or abduction to compel marriage, Section 318(4) for cheating, and Section 351(3) for criminal intimidation. Additionally, provisions from the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021—commonly known as the anti-love jihad law—have been invoked to address the forced conversion aspect.

This case comes amid a troubling pattern of similar incidents in Kushinagar. Just weeks earlier, on July 25, 2025, police dismantled an Islamist gang accused of abducting and forcibly converting Hindu girls in the Ramkola area, indicating potential organized efforts in the region. In June 2025, another minor was kidnapped, raped, and converted, leading to the arrest of four individuals in the Vishunpura police station jurisdiction. These recurring events have raised concerns about vulnerabilities faced by minor girls and the need for stricter enforcement of protective legislation.

The victim is currently receiving medical and psychological support, while investigations continue to uncover if others were involved. Authorities urge the public to report suspicious activities promptly to prevent such heinous crimes. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in combating grooming, exploitation, and religious coercion in Uttar Pradesh.

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