Hindus allege forced conversion in Jabalpur

Posted April 11, 2006

Staff Reporter / Bhopal

Activists of Hindu organisations attacked Christians while they were engaged in prayers at a house in Janki Nagar locality of Jabalpur under Kotwlai police station.

The police have registered a criminal case of conversion against some priests, while a case of rioting has been registered against some hooligans who supposedly belonged to Bajrang Dal.

Inspector General of Police Upendra Jain while talking to The Pioneer said that the activists of Dharma Jagran Manch had complained to the police that some Hindus were being converted into Christianity at a house in Janki Nagar.

Reacting on the information, a police team reached the spot and found that mostly poor Hindus were engaged in offering prayers and receiving lectures based on Bible. "Prima facie, it was found that an effort of conversion was going on, and the police registered an FIR against the priests," he added. Mr Jain also accepted that some hooligans had also reached the spot and attacked Christians.

Later, on a complaint by priest the police registered an FIR against the miscreants.Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in Madhya Pradesh Assembly Jamuna Devi has alleged that the Government has failed in protecting Christians. She also accused the Madhya Pradesh Government of misusing the Freedom of Religion Act.

She sought a high-level inquiry into the case registered under the State's Freedom of Religion Act against some Christians at Kotwali police station in Jabalpur.

Besides, she demanded that no case be registered on conversion-related complaints unless Superintendent of Police or a senior officer investigate the matter.