Bareilly, October 2: A fast-track court in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly, sentenced 25-year-old Mohd Aalim Ahmad to life imprisonment, framing the case as an example of “love jihad.” In his 42-page order, Additional District and Sessions Judge Ravi Kumar Diwakar explained the concept of “love jihad,” describing it as a deceitful process of religious conversion through fraudulent marriages aimed at altering demographics.

According to a report in TOI, the case began in May 2023 when a young woman, 22, filed a complaint alleging that Aalim had posed as Anand Kumar to marry her in 2022. She later claimed to have been deceived upon discovering his real identity. Aalim was charged with several crimes, including rape and criminal intimidation. His father, Mohd Sabir, was sentenced to two years for intimidation. More Than 1 Lakh Complaints of Love Jihad; 14 Lok Sabha Seats Witnessed Vote Jihad, Says Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis.

While the woman initially testified against Aalim, she later changed her statement in court, claiming right-wing groups pressured her parents into filing the complaint. The court dismissed her altered testimony, citing potential influence by the accused. 'Love Jihad' Bill Passed in UP: Uttar Pradesh Assembly Passes Anti-Conversion Bill.

Judge Diwakar, known for ordering the videographic survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex in 2022, said in his ruling that “love jihad” is funded by foreign resources and carried out by extremists, though not representative of the entire religious community. He questioned the woman’s financial situation, noting her use of a high-end smartphone despite being unemployed, hinting at foreign involvement in the case. Aalim will serve life in prison following this conviction.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 02, 2024 10:57 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).