The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) on Tuesday (Nov 25) asked the Southeast Asian nation's police chief to immediately enforce a court order to locate the daughter of Indian-origin Hindu woman Indira Gandhi, whose estranged husband had converted their three children to Islam 16 years ago, and went missing with their infant daughter. Local political party Perak Gerakan’s deputy chairperson Naran Singh has hired a private investigator to locate Indira Gandhi’s ex-husband, Muhammad Riduan Abdullah, and her missing daughter. This marks the latest chapter in a saga of Hindu-to-Muslim religious conversion, family dispute and a prolonged quest for justice in the Muslim-majority nation.<h2>Indira Gandhi, a mother seeking justice</h2>The Malaysian rights body said it was “deeply concerned” by the police inaction, stating it had a clear legal duty to act and that “delays undermine public confidence in the rule of law and prolong the suffering of a mother seeking justice.”&nbsp;Indira Gandhi had led a public march on Saturday, clutching her daughter’s old teddy bear toy. The child, born Prasana Diksa, would now be 16 years of age. She was taken as an infant in 2009 amid a bitter interfaith custody battle. Indira’s two older children, Karan Dinish and Tevi Darsiny, now young adults, live with their mother and support her quest to locate their missing sister. Karan and his sister Tevi have no intention to convert to Islam, and want to remain ‘peaceful Hindus’, according to court documents.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/malaysia-activist-maryam-lee-raises-voice-against-hijab-even-after-being-a-muslim-329309/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/malaysia-activist-maryam-lee-raises-voice-against-hijab-even-after-being-a-muslim-329309/embed</a><h2>A question of unilateral religious conversion</h2>Indira’s ordeal began in 2009 when her then-husband, a fellow Hindu born K Pathmanathan, who had converted to Islam and taken the name Muhammad Riduan Abdullah, changed the religion of their three children via a sharia court, without her consent. He then took Prasana, their youngest child who was only 11 months old at the time, and disappeared. Neither he nor the child has yet been found, with some reports suggesting he may have fled Malaysia. Police have claimed that investigative efforts included checks with immigration authorities, but no breakthrough has emerged.In 2018, the Malaysian Federal Court unanimously declared that the religious conversions were invalid and ordered Riduan’s arrest, ruling that both parents’ consent is required for the conversion of minors under a civil marriage. Despite the landmark judgment, the father and daughter remain untraced.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-first-lady-wan-azizah-xi-jinping-handshake-controversy-1756961638822">Malaysia’s first lady Wan Azizah politely declines Xi Jinping’s handshake, sparks debate on faith, culture and protocol</a><h2>An iconic human rights case in multicultural Malaysia</h2>Indira Gandhi’s years-long battle for her children is now one of Malaysia’s most discussed human-rights cases. During the march on Saturday, joined by around 200 supporters, Indira sought to hand over her daughter’s toy to Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Khalid Ismail as a symbolic reminder of her missing child. But Khalid did not appear, despite protesters waiting for nearly four hours outside the police complex, prompting renewed criticism from activists and opposition lawmakers.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sharia-law-imposed-in-this-malaysian-state-what-happens-if-men-skip-friday-prayers-1755678570935">Sharia law imposed in THIS Malaysian state - What happens if men skip Friday prayers</a><h2>Malaysia’s dual legal system in sharp focus over the Indira Gandhi case</h2>Malaysia has a dual legal system, with civil and Islamic (or sharia) courts operating in parallel. The conversion of the children took place under sharia law, but issues such as parental rights and guardianship fall under the jurisdiction of the civil courts. The Indira Gandhi case has drawn fresh attention to the constitutional limits of religious authority in Malaysia, and the state’s responsibility to uphold court orders. For many Malaysians, the case has become a symbol of a broader struggle for legal clarity and equal treatment regardless of faith, in Malaysia's multi-ethnic, multi-religious society.&nbsp;“I have waited 16 years. All I want is my daughter back,” Indira Gandhi said on Saturday. After years of silence, Malaysia is once again watching this case and demanding answers.

Malaysian Hindu woman Indira Gandhi is continuing her16-year battle to find her missing daughter, converted to Islam by her estranged husband, who is missing with the girl. 


The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) on Tuesday (Nov 25) asked the Southeast Asian nation's police chief to immediately enforce a court order to locate the daughter of Indian-origin Hindu woman Indira Gandhi, whose estranged husband had converted their three children to Islam 16 years ago, and went missing with their infant daughter. Local political party Perak Gerakan’s deputy chairperson Naran Singh has hired a private investigator to locate Indira Gandhi’s ex-husband, Muhammad Riduan Abdullah, and her missing daughter. This marks the latest chapter in a saga of Hindu-to-Muslim religious conversion, family dispute and a prolonged quest for justice in the Muslim-majority nation. Indira Gandhi, a mother seeking justice The Malaysian rights body said it was “deeply concerned” by the police inaction, stating it had a clear legal duty to act and that “delays undermine public confidence in the rule of law and prolong the suffering of a mother seeking justice.” Indira Gandhi had led a public march on Saturday, clutching her daughter’s old teddy bear toy. The child, born Prasana Diksa, would now be 16 years of age. She was taken as an infant in 2009 amid a bitter interfaith custody battle. Indira’s two older children, Karan Dinish and Tevi Darsiny, now young adults, live with their mother and support her quest to locate their missing sister. Karan and his sister Tevi have no intention to convert to Islam, and want to remain ‘peaceful Hindus’, according to court documents. https://www.wionews.com/videos/malaysia-activist-maryam-lee-raises-voice-against-hijab-even-after-being-a-muslim-329309/embed A question of unilateral religious conversion Indira’s ordeal began in 2009 when her then-husband, a fellow Hindu born K Pathmanathan, who had converted to Islam and taken the name Muhammad Riduan Abdullah, changed the religion of their three children via a sharia court, without her consent. He then took Prasana, their youngest child who was only 11 months old at the time, and disappeared. Neither he nor the child has yet been found, with some reports suggesting he may have fled Malaysia. Police have claimed that investigative efforts included checks with immigration authorities, but no breakthrough has emerged. In 2018, the Malaysian Federal Court unanimously declared that the religious conversions were invalid and ordered Riduan’s arrest, ruling that both parents’ consent is required for the conversion of minors under a civil marriage. Despite the landmark judgment, the father and daughter remain untraced. Also read: Malaysia’s first lady Wan Azizah politely declines Xi Jinping’s handshake, sparks debate on faith, culture and protocol An iconic human rights case in multicultural Malaysia Indira Gandhi’s years-long battle for her children is now one of Malaysia’s most discussed human-rights cases. During the march on Saturday, joined by around 200 supporters, Indira sought to hand over her daughter’s toy to Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Khalid Ismail as a symbolic reminder of her missing child. But Khalid did not appear, despite protesters waiting for nearly four hours outside the police complex, prompting renewed criticism from activists and opposition lawmakers. Also read: Sharia law imposed in THIS Malaysian state - What happens if men skip Friday prayers Malaysia’s dual legal system in sharp focus over the Indira Gandhi case Malaysia has a dual legal system, with civil and Islamic (or sharia) courts operating in parallel. The conversion of the children took place under sharia law, but issues such as parental rights and guardianship fall under the jurisdiction of the civil courts. The Indira Gandhi case has drawn fresh attention to the constitutional limits of religious authority in Malaysia, and the state’s responsibility to uphold court orders. For many Malaysians, the case has become a symbol of a broader struggle for legal clarity and equal treatment regardless of faith, in Malaysia's multi-ethnic, multi-religious society. “I have waited 16 years. All I want is my daughter back,” Indira Gandhi said on Saturday. After years of silence, Malaysia is once again watching this case and demanding answers.

Malaysian Hindu woman Indira Gandhi is continuing her 16-year battle to find her missing daughter, converted to Islam by her estranged husband, who disappeared with the girl.

The curious case of Indira Gandhi's custody battle in Malaysia: Conversion of Hindus to Islam, human rights and a missing daughter

In yet another case of forced conversion in Pakistan, a 24-year-old Hindu woman was allegedly kidnapped from her wedding and<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-a-hub-of-forced-conversion-accuses-india-of-totalitarianism-and-racism-276082"> forcibly converted to Islam</a> in Matiari district of Sindh province.

The bride, named Bharti Bai, was to be married to a Hindu boy when she was abducted from her wedding.

According to the bride's father, his daughter’s marriage ceremony was underway when the kidnapper stormed in with several men and took his daughter away.

Reports also claimed that she was later converted to Islam and then married off to a Muslim man.

Meanwhile, a picture of the bride along with documents of her conversion to Islam and marriage to the alleged kidnapper went viral on social media.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shared-our-concern-over-abduction-and-forced-conversion-of-sikh-girl-with-pakistan-government-india-246714">Also read: Shared our concern over abduction and forced conversion of Sikh girl with Pakistan government, says India</a>

However, based on documents that have surfaced, the Hindu girl had allegedly converted to Islam on December 1, 2019.

Her new name after converting to Islam is read as 'Bushra' in the document that appears to be certified.

Last week, another 15-year old girl named Mehak kumari was also kidnapped from Jacobabad when she went to school.

This has triggered protests by the family members of the abducted minor who raised their voice against the atrocities of forced conversion.

In Pakistan's Sindh province, several cases of abduction, conversion and marriage of young Hindu girls have been reported in the past. The incidents have raised serious concerns amongst the Hindu community in Pakistan who are questioning the Imran Khan-led government of its promises to provide security to minorities in the country.

Meanwhile, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa asks government to take a step and raised the matter with Ministry of External Affairs.

In yet another case of forced conversion in Pakistan, a 24-year-old Hindu woman was allegedly kidnapped from her wedding and forcibly converted to Islam in Matiari district of Sindh province.

In yet another case of forced conversion in Pakistan, a 24-year-old Hindu woman was allegedly kidnapped from her wedding and forcibly converted to Islam in Matiari district of Sindh province. The bride, named Bharti Bai, was to be married to a Hindu boy when she was abducted from her wedding. According to the bride's father, his daughter’s marriage ceremony was underway when the kidnapper stormed in with several men and took his daughter away. Reports also claimed that she was later converted to Islam and then married off to a Muslim man. Meanwhile, a picture of the bride along with documents of her conversion to Islam and marriage to the alleged kidnapper went viral on social media. Also read: Shared our concern over abduction and forced conversion of Sikh girl with Pakistan government, says India However, based on documents that have surfaced, the Hindu girl had allegedly converted to Islam on December 1, 2019. Her new name after converting to Islam is read as 'Bushra' in the document that appears to be certified. Last week, another 15-year old girl named Mehak kumari was also kidnapped from Jacobabad when she went to school. This has triggered protests by the family members of the abducted minor who raised their voice against the atrocities of forced conversion. In Pakistan's Sindh province, several cases of abduction, conversion and marriage of young Hindu girls have been reported in the past. The incidents have raised serious concerns amongst the Hindu community in Pakistan who are questioning the Imran Khan-led government of its promises to provide security to minorities in the country. Meanwhile, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa asks government to take a step and raised the matter with Ministry of External Affairs.

Pakistan: 24-year-old woman allegedly abducted, forcibly converted to Islam

The Sikh community in Hangu district of Pakistan&#39;s Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province has alleged that they were &#39;being forced to convert to Islam&#39; by a government official.

The community members have lodged a complaint with the Deputy Commissioner Hangu Shahid Mehmood regarding the same, reported the Express Tribune.

Farid Chand Singh, who filed the complaint has claimed that Assistant Commissioner Tehsil Tall Yaqoob Khan was allegedly forcing Sikhs to convert to Islam.

Singh said the community has been living in the area since 1901 and have never been offended by anyone for religious believes, despite being a hotbed for sectarian conflicts.

He said that they were never approached by someone to convert to Islam and added that they have always maintained an amicable relation with the Muslims in the region.

&quot;Had it been from someone ordinary, it would have never been felt so offending but when you hear such things from a government official, it becomes something really serious,&quot; Singh told The Express Tribune.

&quot;We the residents of Doaba area are being tortured religiously,&quot; read the complaint.

On the other hand, DC Shahid Mehood said the member of the Sikh community were offended during conversation with the assistant commissioner, which the latter never really meant.

He further added that there is no such issue of converting someone forcefully to Islam, rather administration ensured religious freedom.&nbsp;

The complaint has come from the Sikhs of Hangu district in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province

The Sikh community in Hangu district of Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province has alleged that they were 'being forced to convert to Islam' by a government official. The community members have lodged a complaint with the Deputy Commissioner Hangu Shahid Mehmood regarding the same, reported the Express Tribune. Farid Chand Singh, who filed the complaint has claimed that Assistant Commissioner Tehsil Tall Yaqoob Khan was allegedly forcing Sikhs to convert to Islam. Singh said the community has been living in the area since 1901 and have never been offended by anyone for religious believes, despite being a hotbed for sectarian conflicts. He said that they were never approached by someone to convert to Islam and added that they have always maintained an amicable relation with the Muslims in the region. "Had it been from someone ordinary, it would have never been felt so offending but when you hear such things from a government official, it becomes something really serious," Singh told The Express Tribune. "We the residents of Doaba area are being tortured religiously," read the complaint. On the other hand, DC Shahid Mehood said the member of the Sikh community were offended during conversation with the assistant commissioner, which the latter never really meant. He further added that there is no such issue of converting someone forcefully to Islam, rather administration ensured religious freedom.

Pakistan: Sikhs 'being forced to convert to Islam' by government official