Conversion bid at Palwal village, cleric arrested

Tension gripped a village of Palwal district when a 15-year-old Hindu girl was allegedly held hostage in a mosque and was molested by a cleric, along with others. Arrangements were also made to convert her to Islam.

The minor's father reached the mosque and rescued her before informing the police. The cleric has been arrested and a teenage boy apprehended. An FIR has been registered at Sadar Palwal police station against eight accused.

Police teams have been deployed outside the mosque and different places in the village. “Law and order has been restored in the village. The police are investigating the matter. We are also holding meetings with panchayat members,” said Varun Singla, Palwal SP.

According to DSP Narender Khatana, the complainant said that when he arrived home around 6 pm on Thursday, his minor daughter was missing. When he, his wife, and another person went searching for her, they could hear screams coming from the mosque. They went inside and found the cleric and another person fighting with his daughter.

“Reconciliation has been reached with both sides. Counselling has also been provided to the girl. The other accused will be arrested soon,” said the DSP.