8 arrested, granted bail, in case of religious conversion by enticement; Christian pastor among accused : Amaravati

Four women included

Amaravati, Maharashtra – Police have unearthed an illegal religious conversion attempt in Shingori village, under the jurisdiction of Benoda Police Station in Amaravati district. The accused allegedly sought to convert villagers by offering monetary inducements and by threat. In this connection, police arrested eight persons from various locations, including Kerala. Four women are among the arrested. All the accused were granted bail at Warud court.

The attempted conversion took place on the night of 30 December. As a preventive measure, tight police security has been deployed in the village. Those arrested include Anandkumar Benjamin Kari of Nagpur; Sudhir William John William of Kerala; Jail Father Chaman Kala of Kerala; Vikram Gopal Sand of Tivsa; along with four women. The complaint in this case was filed by Laxman Devidas Shele. (Commendable efforts of those who remain vigilant and proactive against attacks on Dharma ! – Editor)

A group of individuals visited the residence of villager Ritesh Bonde, among whom one person was dressed in white attire. He began addressing villagers about Christianity and attempted to lure them into conversion by offering financial incentives. Upon receiving information, the police detained the prime accused, Ritesh Bonde. Subsequent interrogation led to the identification and arrest of the remaining seven accused.

“This is a violation of constitutional freedoms” ‘Church of South India Bishop Council’ raises an outcry !

As Sudhir William John William is a pastor from Kerala, the Church of South India Bishop Council protested  the police action, terming it a “violation of constitutional freedoms.” Parish priest Father Oneil stated, “This incident pertains to individuals belonging to the Protestant sect and has no connection whatsoever with us; hence, I will not comment on it.(” In fact, converting others through inducement or coercion is itself a violation of constitutional freedoms. Action should also be taken against those who indulge in such misleading outcries.- Editorial Perspective )

‘Arrest of a priest is extremely worrying’ – Kerala Chief Minister Vijayan

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated on ‘X’ that the arrest of a Malayali priest, his family members, and associates on charges of forced religious conversion in Nagpur, is “extremely worrying.” He alleged that the incident reflects a dangerous trend of targeting minorities and creating social divisions by the Sangh Parivar, citing a similar occurrence in Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh). He further claimed that such actions undermine constitutional freedoms. ( How can the arrest of those involved in converting Hindus be termed ‘worrying’ ? Does Chief Minister Vijayan imply that converting Hindus is a constitutionally sanctioned right ?- Editorial Perspective )