Attempt to convert Hindus in Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh); Christian priest among 6 arrested

Claim made that accepting Christianity cures illness and poverty

Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh) – Several cases of conversion efforts by Christian missionaries have surfaced in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. On the day of Shri Ramnavami, an attempt to convert Hindus under the guise of a prayer meeting in Bahtarai was thwarted by Hindu organisations. Following this, Police arrested six individuals, including Christian priest Deepak Singh Sidar.

1. In the Atal Awas area of Bahtarai, Deepa Gotel, Christian priest Deepak Singh Sidar and his wife Pooja Sidar were encouraging nearly 50 Hindus to abandon their Dharma and embrace Christianity.

Conversion Attempt in Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh)!
6 arrested, including a pastor, for trying to convert Hindus!

They claimed “accepting Christianity will cure illness and poverty!”

When such conversions happen daily across India,
why is there still no nationwide anti-conversion… pic.twitter.com/bb9NVyudRY

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) April 9, 2025

2. Even on the day of Shri Ramnavami, Hindus were called under the pretext of a ‘healing prayer session’. The Christian missionaries were attempting to lure them with promises and convert them. Upon receiving this information, activists from Hindu organisations reached the site and tried to stop the conversion.

3. As soon as news of the conversion attempt reached them, the in-charge of Sarkanda Police Station, Nilesh Pandey, along with his team, arrived at the location. Police detained Deepa Gotel, Christian priest Deepak Singh Sidar, Pooja Sidar, Gurvinder Singh, Shivkumar Dhiwar and Madhu Kumar Kevat from the site.