Christians are converting Hindus under the guise of prayer meetings

10 people arrested
4 incidents of conversion uncovered in Uttar Pradesh and Odisha

Lucknow/Bhubaneswar – Reports of targeted efforts to convert Hindus have surfaced, with 4 recent incidents highlighting the issue. Allegedly orchestrated by certain Christian groups, these incidents involved attempts to manipulate and convert vulnerable individuals. Authorities have registered cases against several individuals and arrested a total of 10 people, including a priest. In Uttar Pradesh, these actions were carried out under the provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. Similar investigations are ongoing in Odisha, and more individuals are under scrutiny.

Attempted conversion during prayer meeting in Unnao (Uttar Pradesh) : 6 arrested

In Khesua village, Unnao, the Police arrested 6 individuals after receiving complaints about alleged conversion activities during a prayer meeting held on December 25th. The meeting was organized by a woman named Sharada, who is also accused of attempting to gain control over local land. Activists from Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad intervened and alerted the Police. Those arrested include Sharada, her sons Rahul, Ajay, Vijay, Ashish, and Manish, along with two other individuals named Ramesh and Rajesh. (Individuals who convert to Christianity retain their Hindu names, enabling them to blend into Hindu community more easily and facilitate further conversions – Editor).

Christian missionary Elgin Singh arrested in Sitapur (Uttar Pradesh)

Christian missionary Elgin Singh was arrested on charges of conversion in Katsaria village, Sitapur District. The Police apprehended him at Manwa Tiraha on the morning of December 26th. Singh is accused of actively engaging in the conversion of Hindus and has been remanded to judicial custody.

3 Individuals tied to a tree by people for attempted conversion in Balasore (Odisha)

In Govardhanpur village, Balasore District, three individuals were tied to a tree by local villagers after being accused of attempting to convert tribal families. The accused Govind Singh from Chankhanpur village, Subasini Singh from Mitrapur Makhapada village, and Sukanti Singh from Remuna Mukhura panchayat allegedly tried to lure tribal families into conversion. Badal Kumar Panda, local president of the organization Dev Sena, claimed that a planned conversion programme was underway in the area.

Allegations of Hindu Conversions in Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh)

In Olari village of Nanauta area, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad activists have alleged that conversion activities were being conducted at a local residence. According to the allegations, the house owner and his son were attempting to lure people into converting. Upon receiving the complaint, the Police arrived at the scene and mediated between the 2 parties to diffuse the situation.