Daijiworld Media Network – Nashik

Nashik, Jul 10: A special court in Maharashtra's Nashik has granted bail to Nida Khan, one of the accused in a religious conversion case, citing her five-month pregnancy and the welfare of her unborn child.

Special Judge K.G. Joshi, while allowing the bail plea, referred to the birth of Lord Krishna in prison and observed that no child should have to endure the trauma or social stigma of being born inside a jail.

"It is undisputed that the applicant is five months pregnant. Like Lord Krishna, no child should have to suffer the trauma or social stigma associated with being born in prison," the court observed while exercising judicial discretion in her favour.

Nida Khan was arrested nearly two months ago in connection with a case registered at Deolali Camp Police Station. She has been accused of pressuring a female colleague to convert to Islam and allegedly making derogatory remarks against Hindu deities.

According to the prosecution, she allegedly distributed burqas and religious books among colleagues and helped install religious applications on their mobile phones as part of efforts to encourage religious conversion.

The court noted that the investigation against Khan had been completed and the charge sheet had already been filed. It also observed that, unlike the other accused in the case, only one charge sheet had been filed against her.

Seven other accused are facing nine FIRs registered between March 26 and April 3 in connection with the case.

The bail order has drawn attention as the allegations against Khan include making objectionable remarks about Hindu deities, including Lord Krishna. However, the court clarified that its reference to Lord Krishna was made solely in the context of safeguarding the welfare of the unborn child and did not amount to any finding on the merits of the allegations.

The court's order does not determine Khan's guilt or innocence, and the trial in the case will continue.