No need for NIA probe in Hadiya case: state government to Supreme Court

Kerala government has told the Supreme Court that there is no need to conduct a probe in National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Hadiya case. The state also rejected the statement of NIA that the conversion of Akhila aka Hadiya was part of a radicalisation movement in the state. 

In an affidavit filed by Additional Chief Secretary Subrata Biswas, the state government said that the incident, the conversion and marriage of the girl, does not fall under the list of any offences that warrants and NIA probe. It states that the investigation by the police has not revealed any incident that can be considered an offence owing to which a request can be made to the Centre under Section 6 of National Investigation Agency Act, 2008. 

Also read: Hadiya case: 'How can Kerala High Court annul marriage of an adult citizen?' asks SC

The Supreme Court had ordered an NIA probe into the conversion of the girl after an allegation that the incident was part of an organised effort. There were allegations that Hadiya's husband Shafin Jahan had links with Popular Front of India, which is known for its radical views. 

Read more: Athira to Ayesha, and back: Who is converting Kerala's young girls?

The state government did not object the court order, and the NIA conducted the probe. In a status report filed before the court, the agency had said that there were similarities with different conversions that took place recently. 

In an interview with Asianet Newsable, Hadiya's father Ashokan had said that he had evidence to prove that Akhila was planning to go to Syria. 

Read: We die a thousand deaths everyday, but no one wants to talk about it: Hadiya's father

Ashokan said that he was not against conversion but there was something shady about the way his daughter was converted and married off even while a Habeas corpus petition filed by him was pending before the court.