Gadgets present in KGMU doc’s flat could also be key in conversion racket probe: Police

Two laptops and a cell phone recovered from the flat of KGMU resident physician Rameez Malik, who was beforehand arrested on the costs of sexual exploitation and illegal spiritual conversion, might present essential leads into an alleged organised conversion racket, police stated on Tuesday.

On the day, Chowk police took Dr Malik, who’s on a 48-hour police custody remand, to his flat close to Sheesh Mahal within the Hussainabad space and carried out an intensive search of the premises. During the search, the police recovered two laptops—one discovered close to the mattress and one other inside an almirah—and a cell phone. The digital units had been seized and could be despatched for forensic evaluation, they added.

According to ACP (Chowk) Rajkumar Singh, deleted information, together with chats, paperwork and digital communication data, may very well be key within the case. “Data that may be recovered from these devices may reveal Malik’s links with other individuals involved in the alleged conversion network and help establish the modus operandi of the gang,” he stated.

Police sources stated that in interrogation, Malik disclosed a number of vital particulars, which have been being verified. Investigators imagine that the digital proof might comprise details about contacts, monetary transactions, and coordination associated to the alleged illegal spiritual conversion actions.

The case in opposition to Malik was registered at Chowk police station on December 23 on the grievance of a girl physician from West Bengal, who’s related to the KGMU’s pathology division. Police stated that after the FIR was lodged, Malik returned to his flat and allegedly deleted chat historical past from his cell phone and information from one of many laptops. Efforts at the moment are being made by forensic specialists to retrieve the erased info

Also, Malik, throughout his questioning, reportedly maintained that his dad and mom—Salimuddin and Khateja—had no position within the alleged conversion actions. He additionally informed police that his ‘nikah’ with a girl physician from Agra was solemnised by a ‘qazi’ named Zahid from Neoria in Pilibhit district. Based on this info, police groups have launched searches to hint the ‘qazi’ and the witnesses talked about within the ‘nikahnama’.

Dr Malik additionally informed police about his actions when he was absconding. He claimed to have initially fled to his residence in Khatima, Uttarakhand, after which went as much as the Nepal border in an try to hunt shelter. After failing to search out refuge there, he returned and stayed in Moradabad, Bijnor and Deoband earlier than shifting to Delhi, the place he lived in a resort. He was ultimately arrested in Lucknow when he got here to fulfill a lawyer.

Police officers stated the investigation was now targeted on analysing the digital proof and figuring out different members of the alleged community. “Once the forensic data is recovered, several hidden aspects of the case are likely to come to light,” a senior officer stated.