UP Police Busts ‘Love Jihad 2.0’ Racket Targeting Hindu Men

The Uttar Pradesh Police in Bareilly have uncovered an alleged interstate religious conversion racket described by investigators as “Love Jihad 2.0.” Unlike earlier cases that reportedly targeted women, this network is accused of luring young Hindu men into Islam through marriages, manipulations, and even drug addiction.

According to police, at least four arrests have been made, and investigators are mapping what they describe as a sprawling network spanning 14 states and more than 20 cities. Officials say the operation represents a disturbing new trend in conversion cases across the state.

Bareilly SP (South) Anshika Verma, who is leading the probe, said, “This time Hindu youths were systematically drugged, brainwashed, and converted.”

The Bareilly Network

The investigation began after families reported young men missing or suddenly converted. FIRs revealed a recurring pattern—victims lured with marriage proposals or financial incentives. Acting on these leads, police tracked calls, financial transactions, and movements, eventually identifying Abdul Majeed of Faiznagar as the alleged kingpin.

So far, four individuals have been arrested: Abdul Majeed (35), Salman Raza (30), Mohammad Arif (29) of Kareli, and Mohd Faheem (24) of Saidpur Chunnilal village in Bareilly district. Another suspect, Mahmood Beg, is still at large. Police believe the group is linked to one Baba Chhangur, described as the mastermind and currently under surveillance.

The Modus Operandi

Investigators allege that the gang followed a layered strategy: victims were first approached in person or via social media, gradually drawn into friendships or relationships, and then pressured to embrace Islam under the pretext of marriage or stability. Those resisting conversion were subjected to psychological pressure, and in several cases, introduced to addictive substances to ensure dependence.

Police maintain that the intent was not only religious conversion but also the systematic weakening of family ties, making victims reliant on the network.

Human Stories Behind the Racket

Prabhat became ‘Hameed’
Prabhat Upadhyay, a visually impaired government teacher from Bulandshahr, had been struggling with personal setbacks, including a divorce. Educated at Aligarh Muslim University and Hyderabad Central University, he often visited a restaurant in Bareilly, where he befriended men later identified as part of the network. They promised him a second marriage, gradually introduced him to Islamic teachings, and convinced him to adopt the name Hameed. Just before his conversion was to be formalised through circumcision and marriage, police intervened and foiled the plan.

Brijpal Singh became ‘Abdullah’
In Kareli village, 40-year-old coaching teacher Brijpal Singh was battling depression after an accident, his father’s death, and his sister’s divorce. Vulnerable and unmarried, he came into contact with the group, which persuaded him that Islam offered equality and solace. Brijpal converted, adopted the name Abdullah, and married Tabassum, the sister of a gang member. He later convinced his mother and sister to convert as well.

The 17-year-old student
In another case, a 17-year-old B.Com student from Izzatnagar, who supported his family by working at a salon, was allegedly introduced to drugs by a co-worker linked to the gang. Once addicted, he was gradually indoctrinated with Islamic literature and persuaded to perform namaz. Police said he was “one step away from being converted, with circumcision already planned” when the network was exposed. Officers added that the boy’s mental health has deteriorated due to drug abuse and he is currently undergoing treatment.

Raids and Recoveries

Raids across multiple locations yielded a trove of incriminating material, including fake identity cards, bank passbooks, SIM cards, conversion documents, marriage certificates, sedatives, and electronic devices containing digital records of targeted men.

Investigators also recovered what they described as “over 100 photographs of Muslim girls” stored on the gang’s devices. SP Verma explained, “We are verifying their identities and role. The pattern suggests they were being projected as marriage prospects for vulnerable Hindu men.”

Legal Action

Police have registered a case against five accused under BNS Sections 140(3) and 351(3), as well as Sections 3 and 5(1) of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. Officials added that if evidence confirms the use of drugs in the operation, provisions of the NDPS Act will also be invoked.

An officer involved in the investigation noted, “This is just the beginning. Our priority is to safeguard the youth and dismantle the entire racket.”