2 Detroit-area moms charged in probe of genital mutilation

Two Detroit-area women, who belong to an India-based Muslim sect, have been charged with allowing their daughters to undergo genital mutilation as federal authorities expand their case against members of a Muslim sect.

A new indictment filed yesterday raises the number of people charged in the case to six. The indictment also adds four girls from Michigan to the group of alleged victims. The case began with two girls from Minnesota.

The Associated Press isn't naming the two women to protect their daughters' identities. A judge entered not- guilty pleas on behalf of the women and released them on bond.
 

The main defendant is Dr Jumana Nagarwala, who is charged with cutting girls at a clinic after hours in suburban Detroit. She denies any crime and says she performed a religious ritual. All belong to an India-based Muslim sect called the Dawoodi Bohra.