Madhya Pradesh forms special team to probe alleged forced conversions linked to ‘love jihad’ claims
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The Madhya Pradesh Police has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine alleged cases of coerced religious conversions and exploitative romantic entrapment, commonly referred to by right-wing groups as “love jihad,” despite the term lacking legal definition under Indian law.
The move follows a recent case in Bhopal, where three female students accused several men of sexual assault and blackmail, alleging the perpetrators had concealed their religious identities. The case triggered protests by Hindutva organisations who linked the incident to the controversial “love jihad” narrative — a conspiracy theory claiming Muslim men lure Hindu women into relationships to convert them to Islam.
According to the police, preliminary intelligence suggested that women and girls from marginalised backgrounds were being deliberately targeted through manipulation, threats, and deception. Officials claimed that these acts led to both physical and psychological exploitation and, in some instances, coerced religious conversions.
In a statement cited by The Indian Express, the Madhya Pradesh Police described the incidents as serious threats not just to individual safety but also to broader social harmony and women's dignity.
The SIT, led by the Bhopal (Rural) Inspector General of Police, will include senior officers such as the Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime and Headquarters), the Assistant Inspector General from the Women’s Safety Branch, and the Superintendent of Police from the State Cyber Cell.
Their mandate includes identifying and probing alleged cases of forced conversions, tracking the individuals or networks behind such activities, and recommending preventive strategies. The team will also investigate any potential interstate or international connections to these incidents.
State minister Vishwas Sarang emphasised that such cases will not be tolerated and pledged strict action against those found guilty.
