ABVP Seeks NIA Probe Into Kerala Student’s Death In Uzbekistan, Suspects Wider Conversion Network

Last Updated:July 13, 2026, 10:51 IST

After the student’s family alleged that she was pressured to convert before her death, ABVP sought an NIA probe into whether a wider organised network was involved.

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has demanded a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the death of Indian medical student Savariya Basanth in Uzbekistan, after her family alleged that she had been pressured to convert before being assaulted and killed.

The student organisation said the case may involve an organised network behind forced religious conversion and called for an investigation into possible financial and international links.

Basanth, a 22-year-old from Kerala, was pursuing an MBBS degree at the Bukhara State Medical Institute. She died on July 3 following an alleged assault by a fellow student, identified as 22-year-old Sadarul Anam from Kerala’s Malappuram district.

Expressing “profound grief and deep concern" over the incident, the ABVP said the case should not be treated merely as an ordinary criminal offence.

According to facts available in the public domain, the student was allegedly subjected to sustained pressure for religious conversion and was murdered after she continued to resist it.

ABVP Demands NIA Investigation

In a press release, the ABVP claimed that the circumstances surrounding Basanth’s death raised concerns about a possible organised conspiracy involving radical extremist ideology and a wider criminal network.

The organisation demanded that the NIA investigate all aspects of the case, including any possible organised nexus, financial links and international connections.

“Prima facie, it also raises serious concerns regarding an organised conspiracy operating under the guise of Love Jihad, driven by radical extremist ideology and a well-planned criminal network," the ABVP said.

It called for an impartial and expeditious investigation and demanded the strictest punishment under the law for those found guilty.

ABVP National General Secretary Virendra Singh Solanki said Basanth’s death was deeply tragic and a matter of serious concern.

“If a student was subjected to pressure for religious conversion and subsequently murdered for resisting such coercion, the investigation should not remain confined to treating it merely as an individual criminal act," Solanki said.

“If any organised network associated with Love Jihad or any radical extremist ecosystem is found to be involved, the entire conspiracy must be thoroughly exposed," he added.

ABVP Urges MEA To Coordinate With Uzbekistan

The ABVP also urged the Ministry of External Affairs to coordinate with the Indian Embassy and the authorities concerned in Uzbekistan to ensure that the accused is brought to justice at the earliest.

It called on the government to pursue all necessary diplomatic and legal measures to secure the strictest punishment for those responsible.

The student organisation also demanded an effective security and assistance mechanism for Indians studying abroad, particularly women students.

It reiterated the need for stringent legislation, a strong investigative mechanism, fast-track judicial processes, awareness campaigns in educational institutions and women’s empowerment programmes such as Mission Sahasi.

The ABVP said such measures were necessary to combat fraudulent religious conversion, exploitation of women, cyber blackmail and similar organised crimes.

Family Alleges Torture And Conversion Pressure

Basanth’s family has alleged that she was tortured, brutally assaulted and pressured to convert to Islam before her death.

According to the family, Basanth and the accused were staying in the same hostel while studying in Uzbekistan.

Investigators in Uzbekistan reportedly informed the family that Basanth had suffered multiple injuries before her death.

A relative who travelled to Uzbekistan to bring back her body claimed that she had serious injuries across her body and disputed reports that she died solely after being struck on the head with a laptop during an argument.

“She did not die because she was hit on the head with a laptop," the family member said, alleging that she was subjected to a severe physical assault before her death.

Citing information allegedly shared by investigators and fellow students, the relative claimed that several witnesses had seen the accused attempting to force Basanth to change her religion.

“He had brutally assaulted her before killing her. We are seeking a fresh postmortem examination and have lodged a complaint to ensure he does not escape punishment if he is released by authorities in Uzbekistan," the family member said.

Kerala Police Register Murder Case

Kerala Police have registered a murder case in connection with Basanth’s death following a complaint by her parents.

Kayamkulam Deputy Superintendent of Police Binukumar T said the case was registered at Haripad Police Station after the victim’s parents submitted a complaint to the district police chief.

A postmortem examination was conducted at Alappuzha Medical College after Basanth’s body was brought back to India.

The officer said Kerala Police would monitor the progress of the investigation in Uzbekistan through the Indian Embassy and the Ministry of External Affairs.

“Even though the crime occurred in Uzbekistan, there are provisions to register a case here. If the authorities there prosecute the accused, we will close the case. If no legal action is taken there, we will pursue the matter further," Binukumar said.

He added that reports suggested the accused had already been arrested in Uzbekistan. Kerala Police will seek details of the case and the legal action being taken by the local authorities.

Basanth’s family has also demanded an independent investigation in Kerala and sought the extradition of the accused to India.

“We will have to examine whether such a provision exists after taking legal advice and consulting the Ministry of External Affairs," the officer said.

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Karishma Jain

Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follo...Read More

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