A concerning trend of increasing “love jihad” incidents in Uttarakhand has raised suspicions of a “Kerala connection.” The cases involve the abduction of Hindu girls by individuals associated with a sect called “Love Jihad,” who engage in physical abuse and coercion for religious conversion. Authorities, including the police, are investigating the surge in such incidents from multiple angles. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attributes the rise in reported cases to the implementation of stricter laws and government vigilance on conversions. Critics, however, claim that the BJP-led government in Uttarakhand is prioritizing these matters under the influence of the RSS. Furthermore, demands have been made to screen the film “Kerala Story” to raise awareness among the state’s daughters. Recent media reports highlight 8-10 love jihad cases in the western Dehradun area, including an incident involving blackmail, forced physical relations, and obscene videos. The victim sought help from the Hindu organization Vedic Mission, leading to the arrest of the perpetrator and his brother. Notably, three cases in Pachhwa Dehradun district involve suspects who had been in Kerala for months, prompting an investigation into their activities and possible connections to the “Kerala Story” movie. The involvement of barbers and mobile mechanics is a common thread in many cases. These incidents, along with the fear of unreported cases due to public shame, point to a well-planned conspiracy linked to love jihad, even in minor seduction cases. Authorities are also examining the potential role of love jihad in altering Uttarakhand’s demography. The police are investigating if Muslim youths from Uttarakhand are being trained in Kerala for such activities, as well as the existence of any local conspiracies. Furthermore, inter-religious marriages over the past five years are under scrutiny, and individuals involved in these marriages are being investigated. The Uttarakhand Police have issued a directive to take action against anyone who violates the law, regardless of their religion. The Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion Amendment Act, enacted in 2018, requires individuals marrying outside their religion to inform the district magistrate one month in advance, with penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 50,000 for non-compliance.
