HC directs parents of converted Hindu girls to appear

Chennai, Nov 22 (UNI) Four Hindu girls, who had converted to Islam, appeared before Madras High Court today wearing the traditional 'Purda', seeking police protection.

After hearing them in-camera in his chamber, Mr Justice K Mohanram directed the parents of the girls to appear before the court on November 27.

The court also directed the Inspector of Iyyampettai police station, where the parents had preferred a complaint that their daughters were missing and were allegedly forced to convert to Islam, to appear before the court on that day.

The girls, Lokeshwari (22), her sisters K Ambika (20) and Sharmila (19), and their friend Kalaiselvi (20) were Hindu by birth and had recently converted to Islam.

In their affidavit filed today, they said they embraced Islam on their own will and volition as they recognised the nobleness of the religion.

They said their decision to embrace Islam was not due to any inducement or coercion from any quarters.

They said they were forced to escape to Chennai apprehending arrest, as their parents had filed a petition with the Iyyampettai police alleging that they were forcibly converted to Islam.

Considering this, they sought protection as their safety was in danger.

UNI