Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, July 31, 2025 — In a case that has stirred concern across the region, local police arrested Dr. Naeem Qadri, also known as “Pir Baba,” on serious allegations of pressuring a Hindu family into converting their children to Islam and forcing their daughter into marriage with him.
What Happened
The incident came to light when a family residing in the Sigra police station area of Varanasi filed a complaint, accusing Qadri of persistent harassment. According to the family, Qadri – who runs a clinic named “Rahath Dava Khana” and presents himself as a spiritual healer – visited their home regularly under the pretext of treatment and faith healing. Eventually, he began insisting that their daughter convert to her religion and marry him. When the family refused, the complaint states, he threatened them with grave consequences, even saying he would “shoot” them if they did not comply.
Family’s Allegations
The complainant detailed that Qadri demanded the forced religious conversion of both the daughter and son. He allegedly became aggressive when met with resistance, even physically assaulting the husband of the woman and issuing threats to kill the family by “ten gunshots” if they did not agree to his demands by the next day.
Police Action
Acting swiftly on the complaint filed at Sigra Police Station, ACP Bhelupur Dr. Ishan Soni confirmed that a case has been registered under sections relating to forced religious conversion and criminal threat. Qadri was arrested late on Wednesday from his residence in the Sheikh Salim Fatak area of New Road locality in Varanasi. Police have noted they are investigating whether more victims may exist and may take further legal action against others tied to the case.
Context & Broader Climate
Uttar Pradesh has had a proactive anti-conversion law since 2021, which criminalises religious conversion through force, fraud, or allurement. Offenders can face up to ten years in prison, and stricter penalties apply if victims are women, minors, or members of SC/ST communities.
This case adds to a pattern of recent incidents in the state and neighbouring areas — including allegations of forced conversion schemes in Barabanki and Pune, where vulnerable individuals have claimed coercion through fraudulent promises, such as employment or healing.
Local Response
Since the arrest, members of several Hindu community and social groups have welcomed the action by police and urged that the investigation proceed without delay. There has also been a call for ensuring the victim’s safety and offering her any legal or psychological support needed.
ACP Soni has urged residents to maintain peace and come forward if anyone else has similar complaints against Qadri or associates. The Varanasi police have assured they will explore all angles of the case thoroughly to uphold the rule of law.
