Santosh Shukla, who became Sher Khan, a painful tale of being held captive for 10 years, forced conversion and servitude
A shocking case of forced conversion and abduction has emerged in Pratapgarh district, Uttar Pradesh, where a man, Santosh Shukla, claims he was held captive and forced to convert to Islam for the past ten years.
In a horrifying incident reported from Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, a man named Santosh Shukla alleged that he was forcibly converted to Islam and held captive by a group of four individuals for a decade. According to his complaint, which led to police action, he was subjected to severe torture, forced to perform domestic work, and threatened with violence whenever he attempted to escape. This case has drawn attention due to the serious allegations of human trafficking and unlawful conversion under Indian law.
The victim's ordeal began when he was allegedly abducted by Badarul Jama, Kallu, Naim, and Nizam from his home in Kutilia village. During his captivity, Santosh claims he was not only forced to work without pay but was also coerced into undergoing a religious conversion against his will, adopting a new name, Sher Ali Khan. His ordeal finally came to light after he managed to file a complaint, prompting local authorities to intervene. The case now includes serious charges, including those under the Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act of Uttar Pradesh.
Local police reported that they have arrested one suspect while the search for the other accused is ongoing. This incident highlights pressing issues concerning religious freedom, human rights abuses, and the failings of local governance in addressing such serious crimes. As the investigation unfolds, many in the community are raising concerns about the safety and rights of individuals in similar situations, advocating for justice and reforms to prevent such abuses from occurring in the future.