Bihar Muslim family convert to Hinduism

The lawyer, Mohammad Anwar, 46, his sons Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Shabir, aged 11 and nine respectively, were rechristened to Anand Bharti, Aman Bharti and Suman Bharti.

Asked about his decision, the man told media, "Though I have been living in Pokharia, Begusarai, for over 18 years amid 12 Muslim households in a Muslim-dominated area, a Syed family, which thinks itself as contractor of Islam, has been harassing me for last seven months, sometimes by saying that I hardly offer namaz and at times by leaving bones outside my house."

Explaining his plight, the lawyer said that his neighbours would question him over several of his actions, including his sons' lack of a madrasa education and the omission of beef from his menu.

"I consider myself a humanist. I have given donation for construction of temples… Such things would irritate Muslim neighbours, who often asked why I do not eat beef and put my sons in a madrasa," he said.

He added that his wife will convert later.

Calling it a personal decision, the man said that he was not influenced to coaxed into conversion.

"At 46, no one can be able to influence my decision. I had been feeling suffocated by jibes. I have given an affidavit making it clear that I have taken my decision out of my will," he said.