Bhagwa Love Trap conspiracy theory

Bhagwa Love Trap (BLT, ) is a conspiracy theory that originated in social media. The conspiracy theory alleges that Hindu men attempt to lure Muslim women into relationships with the intention of converting them into Hindus. Prominent within some Islamist right-wing groups in India,
In 2017, the Hindu Jagran Manch (HJM), an affiliate group of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), launched a campaign called "Beti Bachao, Bahu Lao" (Save Daughters, Bring Daughters-in-law), which encouraged Hindu men to marry Muslim women. The group claimed that it would facilitate the weddings of 2,100 such couples in the coming months, framing it as a measure to counter "Love Jihad" and promote "population control."
Street harassment, moral policing and doxxing
Concerns have also been raised about incidents of Muslim vigilantism, where groups of young Muslim men have confronted Muslim girls found in the company of non-Muslim boys. These encounters have resulted in verbal abuse, physical intimidation, and in some cases, violence against both the girls and their companions.
Controversies
The term "Bhagwa Love Trap" emerged as a purported reverse of the "Love Jihad" narrative, claiming that Hindu boys pose as Muslims to attract Muslim girls and eventually convert them to Hinduism. However, there is a scarcity of reliable data or verifiable sources to substantiate these claims made by individuals within the Muslim community.
Certain Hindu organizations have publicly expressed views suggesting the "claiming" of Muslim girls, which has been criticized for objectifying women and fostering fear within the Muslim community regarding their future in the country. Additionally, there have been instances of Hindu individuals engaging in online activities, such as "auctioning" Muslim girls, which have drawn condemnation. However, the existence of a grand conspiracy behind the alleged conversion of Muslim girls remains unverified.
On 16 June 2023, Hindu Dharma Sena, a right-wing religious organization, declared a cash incentive of Rs 11,000 (US$1 82 INR) for any Hindu male who chooses to elope with and marry a Muslim girl.
Responses and consequences
In response to the perceived "Bhagwa Love Trap," the Muslim community has taken counter measures like increased vigilance and surveillance of girls, leading to heightened policing and in some cases, harassment. Certain videos and messages circulating within the community advise Muslim parents to monitor their daughters' activities, restrict their access to mobile phones, and enroll them exclusively in Muslim-only schools to prevent interactions with individuals from other religions.
Critics argue that such actions contribute to the further exclusion and marginalization of Muslim women. Instead, they advocate the empowerment of girls through education, enabling them to make informed decisions about their life and relationships.
 
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