The Role of Online Gaming Platforms in Facilitating Religious Conversions Among Hindu Youth in India
In recent years, online gaming platforms have emerged as unexpected arenas for religious conversions in India. Reports indicate that certain individuals have exploited these platforms to initiate contact with Hindu youth, gradually influencing them towards adopting different religious practices. This essay delves into documented cases, highlighting the methods employed and the platforms used in such instances.
Documented Cases and Platforms Involved
1. Ghaziabad Case Involving Fortnite and Discord:
In May 2023, a 17-year-old boy from Ghaziabad was allegedly influenced to convert to Islam after interacting with a 23-year-old man from Navi Mumbai through the online game Fortnite. The accused, identified as Shahnawaz Khan, reportedly used the game's chat features and the communication platform Discord to engage with the minor, introducing him to Islamic practices. The boy's father noticed changes in his behavior, leading to a police complaint under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act.
2. Shamli District Incident Involving Free Fire:
In September 2023, a Dalit family in Uttar Pradesh's Shamli district reportedly converted to Islam after their son was influenced through the online game Free Fire. The individual, named Mehek, allegedly used the game to befriend the boy, eventually leading the entire family to adopt Islamic practices and encourage others in their village to do the same.
3. Sikar District Case Involving Free Fire:
In June 2023, a married Hindu woman from Rajasthan's Sikar district was allegedly persuaded to convert to Islam by an individual named Taiyyab Khan, whom she met through the online game Free Fire. Reports suggest that Khan influenced her to adopt Islamic practices, leading her to change her attire and name, and eventually leave her in-laws' residence.
4. Lucknow Case Involving Unspecified Gaming App:
In July 2023, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad arrested three individuals for allegedly using an online gaming app to lure a youth named Gaurav into religious conversion. One of the accused, Nazim Hasan, reportedly befriended Gaurav through the game and influenced him to adopt Islamic practices.
Commonly Exploited Platforms:
Fortnite: Used for initial contact and communication.
Free Fire: Employed to establish relationships leading to religious influence.
Discord: Served as a communication tool for deeper engagement and indoctrination.
Roblox: Roblox allows text chat, private messaging, and friend requests, which can be exploited by predators posing as fellow players.
Children can be groomed slowly over time through regular friendly gameplay, flattery, and manipulation.
Modus Operandi:
1. Initial Contact: Perpetrators connect with targets through online games using pseudonymous profiles.
2. Building Trust: Engage in regular gameplay and conversations to establish rapport.
3. Introduction of Religious Concepts: Subtly introduce religious ideas, suggesting practices that purportedly enhance game performance.
4. Deepening Influence: Encourage participation in religious activities and attendance at local religious centers.
5. Religious Conversion: Facilitate or influence the formal religious conversion process.
Legal and Social Implications:
The aforementioned cases have prompted legal actions under various state laws, such as the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act. Authorities have initiated investigations and arrests, highlighting the seriousness of the issue. These incidents underscore the need for increased awareness among parents, educators, and policymakers about the potential misuse of online platforms.
Conclusion
The exploitation of online gaming platforms for religious conversions presents a multifaceted challenge. While these platforms offer entertainment and social interaction, they can also be misused for manipulative purposes. It is imperative for stakeholders, including families, educational institutions, and law enforcement agencies, to collaborate in monitoring and addressing such activities to safeguard the well-being of vulnerable individuals.
References:-
https://organiser.org/2023/09/16/196325/bharat/uttar-pradesh-dalit-man-lured-to-islam-via-gaming-application-free-fire-calls-cleric-to-convert-others/?utm
https://swarajyamag.com/insta/up-man-who-converted-to-islam-as-minor-threatened-by-locals-for-wanting-to-reconvert-to-hinduism?utm
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/online-game-used-as-bait-to-convert-youth-three-held/articleshow/101469699.cms?utm
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