Bhubaneswar, July 30: A shocking religious conversion racket has been exposed across multiple districts in Odisha and West Bengal, allegedly masterminded by Faiz Rehman, a man with prior criminal charges under the POCSO Act.

Operating under the guise of social service and residential schools, the network reportedly exploited poverty and simplicity of tribal and Scheduled Caste communities to carry out forced conversions.

According to reports, Faiz Rehman has established several organizations under different names, with registrations in Bengaluru but operations spread across Odisha and West Bengal. These institutions, including hostels named “Dream Centre,” allegedly house minors without proper government authorization. Many of these children are reportedly subjected to physical and mental abuse, with disturbing allegations of coercive religious indoctrination.

The racket is said to be funded illegally from foreign sources, including the USA and Canada, violating India’s Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). Investigations suggest that the funds may have also been used for activities linked to terrorism, child exploitation, and trafficking.

In 2019, Faiz Rehman was accused in a POCSO case involving a minor girl in Dhenkanal, Odisha. Despite some hostels being shut down then, he has allegedly resumed operations. A complaint has also been filed at Nayagram police station in West Bengal against Faiz and five others.

Following the exposure, the Odisha State Women and Child Crime Prevention Wing directed all district SPs to investigate. Their reports revealed alarming details, prompting further action. District Collectors have been urged to take immediate steps, and the police have submitted findings to higher authorities.

The case has sparked widespread concern over the misuse of social service platforms for illegal conversions and exploitation, with calls for stringent action against the accused and their network.

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