BHOPAL: While Tularam Jatav alias Abdul Kareem , booked for embracing Islam in violation of conversion laws, claimed he would remain a Muslim, he may lose his wife whom he had forcibly converted. Tularam's father-in-law told police on Tuesday he won't allow his daughter to live with her husband unless he returned to the Hindu fold.

Two youths, Tularam and Maniram Jatav , both residents of Shivpuri's Khaniadana village, were booked on August 29 under MP Freedom of Religion Act, 1968. Police said they not only converted to Islam without informing the collector, but also forced their wives and other family members to change their religion.

This is the first FIR on forced conversions in the region. Both were charged under Sections 4 and 5 of the Act.

"Tularam's father-in-law said he won't send his daughter back to her husband, if he is not a Hindu anymore. They said they would keep her with them till Tularam reconverts," said Y S Jadon, SHO Khaniadana police station.

During division of family property, Tularam submitted an affidavit claiming he had embraced Hinduism again. But after got his share, Tularam declared he would continue to be a Muslim, said police.

Maniram Jatav, resident of Shivpuri's Khanidana village, too embraced Islam two years ago, changed his name to Abdullah and started a small business. He also forced his wife to convert without completing legal formalities, said police.

Maniram then forced Tularam Jatav, a labourer, to convert, said police. Tularam changed his name to Abdul Kareem in 2013. However, he was thrown out of his home for changing his religion. The matter surfaced after he tortured his wife for a month for refusing to embrace Islam, said sources. She reported the matter to her family, who subsequently approached a radical Hindu outfit and lodged a complaint.

Police are likely to book more people in the locality for illegal conversions. Maniram's children and other members of the family have also converted to Islam and their statements are being recorded, said police.

