In yet another heartbreaking incident exposing the plight of minorities in Pakistan, a 20-year-old Hindu girl, Bhegwanti Bheel, from the Bheel community in Diplo, District Mithi, was kidnapped on February 3, 2025, by Saddam Bajeer and his associates. She was forcibly converted to Islam, given the Islamic name Saima, and married to her abductor against her will.After being rescued, Bhegwanti spoke about the harrowing ordeal she endured during her captivity. In her statement, she revealed that Saddam Bajeer and his accomplices subjected her to daily torture, forcing her to convert to Islam and marry Saddam. Now that she has been freed and reunited with her family, she is demanding legal action against the accused and seeking protection for herself and her loved ones.
The Ordeal of Bhegwanti Bheel
Bhegwanti, a victim of what has become a daily occurrence in Sindh, recounted the horrors of her forced conversion. According to her statement, she was abducted by Saddam Bajeer and his associates, coerced into changing her religion, and then married off without her consent. During her captivity, she was subjected to physical and emotional abuse, leaving her traumatized.After her rescue, Bhegwanti (now referred to as Saima by her captors) appeared at the Mithi Police Station, where she bravely recounted her ordeal, demanding justice and protection.
The Legal Complications and Accusations
The case took another turn when Saddam Bajeer’s associates alleged that certain individuals, including Saima’s father Dudu, her uncle, and others such as Sumitra Manjiani and Ashok Chauhan, were responsible for kidnapping the girl and forcing her to give her statement against Saddam Bajeer. These baseless allegations appear to be an attempt to deflect the blame and protect the perpetrators.Despite Bhegwanti’s clear testimony about her kidnapping and forced conversion, such cases often become entangled in legal complications, with the perpetrators using intimidation and false accusations to evade justice.
A Grim Pattern in Sindh
This tragic incident is not an isolated case. The forced conversion and abduction of Hindu girls in Sindh has become a systemic issue, occurring with alarming frequency. Young girls from marginalized communities are targeted, kidnapped, and coerced into conversions and marriages under the guise of religion.Activists and human rights organizations have repeatedly highlighted the vulnerability of Hindu minorities, particularly women, in Pakistan. These incidents reflect a broader pattern of oppression, exploitation, and religious persecution, with little to no accountability for the perpetrators.
A Call for Action
Bhegwanti’s case is a stark reminder of the urgent need for justice and reform in Pakistan. The government must:
- Ensure swift legal action against the perpetrators of forced conversions and abductions.
- Strengthen laws to protect minority communities, especially women and girls.
- Provide adequate safety and security to victims and their families.
- Address the systemic discrimination and societal attitudes that enable such atrocities.
The international community must also take notice of these grave human rights violations. Global organizations like the United Nations and human rights bodies must pressure Pakistan to uphold its commitments to protect religious minorities and prevent such heinous acts.
Conclusion
The story of Bhegwanti Bheel is one of countless others that highlight the dire situation of minorities in Pakistan, particularly in Sindh. These incidents not only shatter lives but also expose the systemic failures of law enforcement and governance in protecting the most vulnerable.It is time for the world to stand up and say, “Enough is enough.” Forced conversions, abductions, and the persecution of minorities must not be tolerated in any society. Justice for Bhegwanti and countless other victims is not just a demand—it is a necessity.
#StopForcedConversions #SaveHinduDaughters #JusticeForBhegwanti
For more updates and detailed coverage of this case and other issues affecting the Hindu and Sindhi communities in Sindh, Pakistan, stay tuned to Sindh Renaissance.
