New Delhi: A family member of Mohammed Umar Gautam, who has been arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) for engaging in religious conversions termed the allegations against him as 'baseless'. Umar Gautam has been accused of converting over 1,000 people, including children. The family member claimed that Umar Gautam is not involved in any illegal activity and said the facts are being 'manipulated'.
In an exclusive interaction with ETV Bharat on Friday, the close relative said that Umar has no links with Inter-Services Intelligence of Pakistan or foreign NGOs and added that he never received any foreign funds. "Umar Gautam has no role in any (spy) agency. He is a facilitator who facilitates documentation in a legal way under Constitutional rights," she said. Terming reports on his involvement in converting over 1000 people 'false', the family member stated that he is innocent and justice will be served as he has no role in religious conversions.
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She also clarified that the family has "never received any calls from Pakistan". Investigating agencies believe that Umar has had correspondence with the neighbouring country in the past. The family member expressed hope that the court will find that Umar Gautam has no connection with anything that is illegal and that "he has been trapped". "As of now, no evidence has been found against Umar Gautam and one should not pass any judgement against him in this matter," she added.
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According to police, the conversions took place within Uttar Pradesh and those who converted were poor and unemployed people and children who were lured with the offer of financial help. At the moment, a local court in Uttar Pradesh has remanded Umar Gautam to police custody till June 30.
