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

Published 13 July 2026 · india

ABVP Seeks NIA Probe Into Kerala Student’s Death In Uzbekistan, Suspects Wider Conversion Network Published By, Last Updated: July 13, 2026, 10:51 IST After the

ABVP Seeks NIA Probe Into Kerala Student’s Death In Uzbekistan, Suspects Wider Conversion Network Published By, 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. Rapid Read Savariya Basanth (right), a native of Kerala, had moved to Uzbekistan to pursue her MBBS degree at Bukhara State Medical Institute. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has demanded a 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 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.