Maharashtra: Online Gaming Racket Prime Accused Arrested by Police

Maharastra: Thane police achieved a significant breakthrough on June 11 when they successfully apprehended Shahnawaz Khan, also known as Baddo, who was wanted by the Uttar Pradesh Police. Khan was accused of running a racket involving young individuals' religious conversion through an online gaming application. The arrest took place in Alibaug, a town located in Maharashtra's Raigad district.

The authorities from Ghaziabad had been actively searching for Shahnawaz Khan, a resident of the Mumbra township in Thane district, Maharashtra. Khan's arrest was made in connection with his alleged involvement in operating a racket aimed at converting youngsters through an online gaming app. He is now being taken to Mumbra for further questioning regarding his role in the illegal activities.

The case against Khan and the cleric of a mosque in Ghaziabad was initiated based on a complaint filed under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act. Last month, a man from Ghaziabad lodged a complaint with the police, accusing the cleric and Khan of unlawfully converting his son, who had recently completed his class 12 board exams, to Islam.

According to the complainant, his son had come into contact with Khan through an online gaming app and had been frequently communicating with him. As a result, the son was inclined to adopt Islam, leading him to convert. The police stated that the boy informed his father that he had willingly converted to Islam after being convinced by Khan.

The arrest of Shahnawaz Khan marks a significant success for the Thane police in their efforts to combat illegal religious conversions through online platforms. Khan's apprehension provides an opportunity for law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged racket and determine the extent of its operations.

The case serves as a reminder of online platforms' potential influence and impact on vulnerable individuals, particularly the youth. It highlights the importance of monitoring and regulating online activities to prevent the exploitation of impressionable individuals and safeguard their rights to freedom of religion and choice.

Law enforcement agencies across the country are working diligently to address such cases and take appropriate legal action against those involved in illegal activities, including the forced conversion of individuals. Through continued efforts, it is hoped that these cases will be effectively dealt with, ensuring the protection of individuals' rights and maintaining communal harmony within society.

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