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'Harassed By Muslim Hardliners,' Muslim Lawyer Converts To Hinduism In Bihar

"I was threatened for participating in events organised by Hindus."
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A Muslim lawyer in Bihar's Begusarai district has reportedly converted to Hinduism along with his two sons.

According to reports, Mohammed Anwar, 46, alleged that his family was being forced to follow the Sharia law by Muslim hardliners and so he, along with his sons, Mohammed Amir, 11, and Mohammed Shabir, 9, decided to embrace Hinduism on Tuesday.

"I am a liberal. I used to visit temples and mosques both, but hardliners in my community objected to it," Anwar told News18. "I was threatened for participating in events organised by Hindus."

Anwar claimed that he then contacted members of the Bajrang Dal who told him about Hinduism. "I was convinced that Hinduism was not a religion but a way of life. So, I decided to follow their advice," he said.

Rejecting reports of any pressure, Begusarai Superintendent of Police Ranjeet Mishra said that Anwar had taken the step of his own accord.

"I have given an affidavit making it clear that I have taken my decision out of my will,'' Anwar clarified.

Shubham Bhardwaj, district coordinator of Bajrang Dal, told News 18 that that he had been contacted by Anwar himself and that after listening to his ordeal, he helped the Muslim family convert to Hinduism.

"He was continuously harassed by the local Imam and their supporters. They were forcing them to offer Namaz five times in a day, and he was threatened for visiting temples. Recently, his house was attacked by hardliners, forcing him to seek our help. Our volunteers saved him and his family," Bhardwaj said.

Anwar has been renamed Anand Bharti, and his sons Aman Bharti and Suman Bharti.

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This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.