Jail staffer’s teen son dies by suicide; family alleges pressure to convert, forced circumcision

By: Somdutt Tripathi

BHILWARA: A 17-year-old boy allegedly died by suicide at his rented accommodation in Tonk city Thursday, police said. His family has accused several people, including a minor girl, of harassment, threats and pressuring him to convert his religion.

According to police, the teenager's mother and brother have lodged a complaint naming the minor girl, her family members and some other youths. The family alleged that the boy had been repeatedly threatened over the past several months and was being pressured to undergo religious conversion. They also claimed that he had undergone circumcision under pressure and was receiving medical treatment for it.

The boy's mother, who works at Tonk Jail, alleged that her son had been living with boys from the Muslim community for nearly two years. During that period, she said, a Muslim girl first approached him and later remained in regular contact with him over phone calls.

The family said they came to know about the matter around eight months ago and had counselled the boy. The mother alleged that her son continued to face threats and claimed the family had evidence to support the allegations. She also claimed that the girl's mother is a govt teacher and that her father had previously been jailed in two murder cases.

According to the mother, the boy's class 12 examination results were declared Wednesday and he appeared happy. She said she had taken leave from work and was planning to move away from Tonk with him, as the family is building a house in Bhilwara.

She also said that she had earlier sought a transfer from the DIG Jail, but it did not materialise. Tonk Kotwali SHO Bhanwarlal Vaishnav said the allegations made by the family are under investigation. "The family has filed a complaint alleging harassment, circumcision and pressure for religious conversion," Vaishnav said.