Mass conversion claim: NCP MLA warns of protest

Thane: NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad on Thursday threaten-ed to stage a protest if the state government failed to get a clarification from Ghaziabad police over its recent claim of mass conversion of Mumbra youngsters through online gaming apps, which was reported by a section of the media.
Awhad said that he would resign if the names of at least four such ‘converted’ youth were publicised. “This seems to be a blatant attempt to disturb the peace in Mumbra. How come 400 youths were converted and the local and state police were unaware. Maharashtra should condemn this and the police should seek clarification from the UP police and if they fail to do so, we will stage a protest in July in Mumbra,” Awhad said. “Also, if their claims are proved right, I will resign.” He accused the ruling parties of resorting to such gimmicks as they were wary of their defeat.
Meanwhile, Thane police said a Ghaziabad police team had come to Mumbra last week, to track one of the accused who reportedly stays in Devripada, but found the house locked. “We are assisting the team and are using our parallel network to track if any such activities are on here,” said a police officer. —Manoj Badgeri