TCN Staff Reporter
New Delhi: Fatehuddin, a resident of Uttar Pradesh’s Sitapur, converted to Hinduism and changed his name to Fateh Bahadur on December 18. However, just two days later, he reversed his decision and returned to his Muslim faith. He claimed that his conversion was not voluntary but was instead forced upon him by police officers.
He alleged, in a video statement, that he was summoned to the office of the Superintendent of Police, where he was “slapped”, his mobile phone was “confiscated” and he was “handed over to the national president of the Hindu Sena”. He further alleged that the Hindu Sena took him into custody and coerced him into converting to Hinduism.
Fatehuddin, a Qari (who recites Qur’an with proper rules of recitation) belonging to the Barelvi sect, declared, “I will remain a Muslim till the Day of Judgment.”
He further described how, in the police superintendent’s office, he was “locked in a room”, had his “head shaved” and was subjected to “abusive language”. He now intends to seek justice through the High Court. He also stated that the superintendent of police not only seized his mobile but also transferred him into the custody of the Hindu Sena.
He alleged that the police pressured him to withdraw from several legal cases he had filed in Sitapur and Lucknow. He claimed he was threatened with severe consequences if he did not comply.
Fatehuddin, who has previously held leadership roles in various organisations, including as the former national president of the Indian Cow Protection Front’s Minority Wing, the Cow Protection Group and the Prime Minister’s Welfare Scheme, asserted that he has been targeted due to his activism.
Attempts to reach Sitapur’s Superintendent of Police, Charkesh Mishra, for a comment were unsuccessful, with phone calls going unanswered. However, the Public Relations Officer stated that a message would be relayed.
Fatehuddin is the complainant in several criminal cases across various police stations, including:
- Crime No. 382/2024, Sections 3, 5, 8, of BNS,Rampur Mathura
- Crime No. 227/2024, Sections 3, 5, 8, of BNS, Rampur Mathura
- Crime No. 184/22, Sections 3, 5, 8, of BNS Rampur Kala
- Crime No. 66/23, Sections 3, 5, 8, of BNS Ateria
- Crime No. 76/23, Animal Cruelty, Section 11, of BNS, Ateria
- Crime No. 337/2019, Sections 3, 5, 8, of BNS Aliganj, Lucknow
- Crime No. 719/2019, Sections 3, 5, 8, of BNS, Madiyanv, Lucknow
- Crime No. 738/2019, Sections 3, 5, 8, of BNS Thakurganj
He also claimed that a Sessions Judge had previously ordered the Sitapur Superintendent of Police to provide him with security.