“Lured on Facebook, Pushed to Convert: 21-Year-Old’s Ordeal Unravels”
Facebook friendship led to Islamic group; pressured to convert, renamed ‘Maryam’, and prepped for forced marriage
Agra: In a dramatic rescue, Agra Police foiled a forced conversion and marriage plot involving a 21-year-old woman from Dehradun. Reena (name changed) on Friday gave her statement exposing a sprawling network that preyed on her through social media, lured her with gifts, and coerced her into adopting Islam.
Facebook friendship turned nightmare
Reena recounted that six years ago she befriended Muzaffarnagar resident Abbu Talib on Facebook. He connected her to the Islamic group “Revert to Islam”, where she came into contact with Delhi-based kingpin Abdul Rehman, his sons Abdullah and Abdul Rahim, Abdur Rehman from Dehradun, S.B. Krishna alias Ayesha, and Ritbanik alias Mohd. Ibrahim.
Lured, renamed, and prepared for relocation
Talib regularly recharged her phone, sent her clothes and money, and Ayesha even financed a new mobile for her. Under pressure, she was allegedly made to recite the Kalma on WhatsApp and renamed Maryam. Abdur Rehman, already thrice married, insisted she convert and wed him in exchange for continued support.
The gang had arranged for a local driver to move her to a safe house and instructed her to destroy her phone and SIM before leaving home.
Police strike fast, wider probe underway
Agra Police’s timely intervention saved Reena before the plan could be executed. Her testimony has provided key leads. Investigation teams have fanned out across Rajasthan, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra to dismantle the entire network.
