Attempt by 40 Christian Missionaries to Convert Tribal Hindus in Akola District

Missionaries taken into police custody !

Akola – In Andhar Sangvi (Patur Taluka), Akola district, a tense situation arose on 11 September due to allegations of forced conversion. The presence of 30 to 40 Christian missionaries from outside the area angered the villagers, who rushed to the home of Sonaji Shinde. News spread that the Christian missionaries had come to the village to convert tribal community members from Hinduism. The police have taken all 40 missionaries into custody. A large police force has been deployed in the village to prevent any untoward incidents.

●  A large crowd of villagers gathered at Sonaji Shinde’s house to question the Christian missionaries. During this time, verbal arguments broke out between the two groups, and the situation risked escalating.

●  The police took the Christian missionaries into custody. They verified the names, villages, and Aadhaar cards of all individuals and recorded their statements. The police also appealed to other residents to maintain peace.

●  Dewanand Chavre from the tribal community said, “I am a social worker from the tribal community. Sonaji Shinde from our village tempted me by offering between ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 for conversion.” (The cunning Christians who lure people for conversion! This shows how urgent the need is for anti-conversion laws in the state. – Editor) “They told me, ‘Come for Jesus’ prayer and your leg will be healed. If you don’t join our religion, your leg won’t get better. You must convert to our religion,’” he said, adding that 30 to 40 people were pressuring him. He informed the village head, Chavre, about this. “Christian missionaries should not pressure the tribal community for conversion,” he said.

Take strict action against the missionaries – Demand by Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal

After the attempted conversion in Andhar Sangvi, members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal from Patur taluka and Barshi Takli village rushed to the Channi police station. They demanded that cases be registered against the Christian missionaries and strict action be taken against them.

Editorial Perspectives

• The government must take strict action so that Christians are not emboldened to lure and convert Hindus !
• To prevent the conversion of Hindus, it is essential to provide them with education on Dharma. Hindu religious organizations must now take concrete steps for this !