Agra, July 27 — A religious conversion racket recently busted in Agra has revealed alarming international connections, including links to Pakistan, Gaza, and the dark web. Investigators say the network targeted young women, especially minors, through online games, social media, and encrypted messaging apps, with the aim of influencing them toward religious conversion.
According to Agra Police Commissioner Deepak Kumar, the racket came to light earlier this month when a 21-year-old woman from Uttarakhand was rescued and gave a detailed statement before a magistrate. The woman, now considered the case’s primary witness, disclosed that she was manipulated online by individuals based outside India.
“The accused used modern technology to lure and influence vulnerable individuals,” said Kumar. “Through online gaming platforms and encrypted apps, they introduced religious content gradually and gained the trust of their targets.”
Pakistan-Based Handlers Identified
Officials revealed that two Pakistani nationals, Tanveer Ahmed and Sahil Adeem, were in constant communication with some of the victims. The duo allegedly discussed religious ideologies and encouraged the girls to convert to Islam. Their conversations often took place over encrypted platforms, making them difficult to trace.
Moreover, the police found that women from Kashmir were also involved. These women reportedly spoke critically about Hinduism while promoting Islamic teachings, thereby playing a significant role in influencing the victims.
“This was not a localized issue. The network had cross-border links and operated systematically using various digital tools,” said a senior police officer involved in the probe.
Gaming Platforms as a Gateway
One of the most alarming aspects of the operation was its use of online gaming platforms to approach minors. Police say the accused exploited the anonymity provided by these games to initiate conversations with young players. Once contact was established, they gradually shifted communication to more secure platforms like Telegram and Signal.
Investigators believe that this method allowed the network to bypass initial suspicion and surveillance, while slowly grooming the targets over time.
Funding Tied to Gaza Strip
The financial backbone of the racket is also under scrutiny. One of the accused, identified as Rehman Qureshi, allegedly organized crowdfunding campaigns under false pretenses. He reportedly converted the proceeds into cryptocurrency and foreign currency to fund the operation.
“Some of the transactions Qureshi handled have been traced to individuals in the Gaza Strip,” said a police spokesperson. “We are coordinating with international agencies to understand the extent of the financial web.”
The alleged masterminds of the racket have been identified as Abdul Rehman, formerly Mahendra Pal, and Ayesha, previously known as SB Krishna. Both are said to have converted to Islam and are currently in police custody. Police allege they played central roles in planning and executing the operation.
Wider Network Under Investigation
So far, 14 individuals have been arrested in connection with the case. Investigators have rescued girls from various locations including Dehradun, Bareilly, Aligarh, Jhajjar, and Rohtak. The victims are being counseled and questioned to gather more details about the extent of the network.
“Preliminary evidence indicates that at least three of the accused were experts in navigating the dark web and used coded language to avoid detection,” a cybercrime expert assisting the police said.
The revelations have prompted law enforcement agencies to increase surveillance on online platforms, particularly those popular with teenagers and young adults.
Legal Proceedings Underway
The case is being pursued under provisions of the newly enacted Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), with the key witness having recorded her testimony under Section 183. Police are preparing to file a comprehensive charge sheet in the coming weeks.
Authorities have also reached out to central agencies to assist with international leads, especially those involving transactions traced to Gaza and communications with individuals in Pakistan.
The case has sparked national attention, with concerns growing over how extremist elements may be using modern technology to target vulnerable youth across India. The Agra Police say they are committed to exposing every link in the chain and ensuring strict action against all those involved.
Investigation remains ongoing as police continue to uncover more leads and track down additional suspects connected to the network.
