Minor girl from UP’s Prayagraj trafficked to Kerala for ‘forced conversion, jihadi training’

Prayagraj: A disturbing case of alleged human trafficking, forced religious conversion and attempted radicalisation has come to light in the Phulpur area of Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj district.

A 15-year-old girl was allegedly lured away by a woman from her village and taken all the way to Kerala, where she was forcibly converted and pressured to undergo jihadi training. The plot came to the fore after the minor managed to escape and inform her mother, leading to the arrest of two key accused on June 28.

According to the complaint filed by the victim’s mother at Phulpur police station, on May 8, a woman named Darkasha Bano, who belongs to a different religion and lives in the same village, coaxed her daughter with false promises and the lure of money. Darkasha took the girl to the Phulpur flyover, where a man named Mohammad Kaif was waiting on a motorcycle. He allegedly took them to Prayagraj Junction and misbehaved with the minor during the journey. From there, the duo travelled to Delhi and eventually to Thrissur in Kerala.

Once in Kerala, the girl was introduced to several unidentified individuals. She revealed that they first tried to win her over with money and then forcibly converted her religion. Following this, she was pressurised to undergo jihadi training. Seizing an opportunity, the girl escaped from their custody and reached Thrissur railway station. She then called her mother and narrated her ordeal. At the station, she was spotted by Kerala Police, who handed her over to the local Child Welfare Committee (CWC).

Based on a report received from the Kerala CWC, the girl’s mother lodged a formal complaint with Phulpur police. The UP Police coordinated with their counterparts in Kerala to ensure the minor’s safe return to her home. Subsequently, Darkasha and Kaif were arrested for their roles in the crime.

During the course of the investigation, police found that a man named Taj, who is reportedly close to Darkasha, may also be involved in the conspiracy. Call records revealed that Darkasha remained in frequent contact with Taj throughout the journey from Prayagraj to Kerala.

Though originally from Phulpur, Taj is believed to have been living in Kerala for the past few years. His details have been shared with the Kerala Police for further investigation.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Ganganagar Zone, Kuldeep Singh Gunawat, stated that preliminary findings indicate the involvement of a well-organised radical group. Both arrested accused, Darkasha and Kaif, are believed to be affiliated with this network.

The police have formed three teams to investigate the extent of the gang’s operations, identify other victims, and trace additional suspects.