Muslim bangle seller in Uttar Pradesh converts people to Islam by disparaging Hinduism, uses exorcism to incite villagers
Lakhimpur, Uttar Pradesh, India 
5 August, 2023
Case Summary
In Lakhimpur Kheri district, Uttar Pradesh, a case of religious conversion surfaced, involving a Muslim man named Shamsuddin in Paragipurva village, Nighasan area. Shamsuddin, posing as an exorcist, conducted rituals at one Hareram's house every Thursday. Dhruv Kumar filed a complaint against Shamsuddin, saying that he used exorcism sessions to incite villagers to convert to Islam, disparaging other religions like Hinduism. Shamsuddin, hailing from Barautha, manipulated villagers during these gatherings, claiming the superiority of Islam over other faiths.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
This particular case has been classified as a religiously motivated hate crime under the core category of Predatory Proselytisation because there is a distinct component in this case, which essentially involves the denigration of Hinduism for the purpose of conversion. In several cases, Hindus are converted or an attempt is made to convert Hindus by denigrating their faith, Hinduism. In such cases, the Hindus associate with the non-Hindu perpetrators often by choice and then, the attempt to convert them by insulting their faith, showing the faith down etc begins. An example of this would be a non-Hindu gathering where the Hindus are attending the gathering of their own free will. However, once they attend the gathering, there is an explicit attempt to convert them by abusing their faith and hailing the faith of the perpetrator. The denigration of the Hindu faith is often based on misrepresentation of the Hindu faith, its doctrine and scriptures and insult to espoused traditions if not blatant lies about Hindu beliefs and ways. Such conversions or attempts at conversions are driven by animosity towards the Hindu faith and are therefore documented as religiously motivated hate crimes.
Case Status
Arrested
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Muslim Extremists
Perpetrators Range
One Person
Perpetrators Gender
male
Sources 
