Garhwal Post Bureau
Khatima, 28 May: Police in Uttarakhand’s Udham Singh Nagar district have arrested four persons in connection with an alleged mass religious conversion case in Khatima. It is reported that the economically weaker families, members of the Tharu community and Scheduled Caste groups were allegedly targeted through inducements, fear and pressure to convert their religion.
Taking strict cognisance in the matter, Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Ganpati said stern legal action would continue against anyone found involved in carrying out mass or forced religious conversions through greed, coercion or intimidation. He said the district police are fully committed to maintaining law and order and preserving social harmony in the region.
According to the police, the accused were allegedly operating in Khatima and Nanakmatta areas and were continuously attempting to influence the vulnerable families by offering money, medical treatment, financial assistance and promises of a better life. Investigators claimed that the accused organised special prayer meetings in villages and encouraged the people to adopt Christianity. Police further alleged that people were promised monthly financial assistance and large sums of money in return for conversion.
During the investigation, police also found allegations that the accused attempted to mentally influence villagers by claiming that illnesses would be cured, family disputes would end and the financial conditions of those who convert, would improve after conversion. The police further claimed that those opposing the activities were allegedly threatened and warned of harm to their families. The officials said religious literature and repeated meetings were allegedly used to influence people continuously.
The matter came to light after a woman from the Khatima area lodged a complaint alleging that pressure was being exerted on her for religious conversion. Subsequently, another complaint was received in which allegations were made that poor families and villages dominated by members of the Tharu community were being specifically targeted. Treating both complaints seriously, the police registered cases at Kotwali Khatima under the Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion Act and other relevant sections of law.
On the directions of SSP Ganpati, special police teams were formed to investigate the matter. After conducting continuous raids and search operations, police arrested four accused identified as Dan Singh Rana, Jai Singh Rana, Draupadi Rana and Sunil George Pastor alias Sunil George Masih. Police shared that raids are continuing to trace other named accused in the case.
Police have also recovered a mobile phone from the possession of the main accused. During examination of the device, investigators reportedly found photographs and videos of alleged prayer meetings, material related to religious conversion, screenshots of financial transactions and audio recordings. Police said the digital evidence is being examined in detail as part of the ongoing investigation.
Ganpati stated that any attempt to carry out religious conversion through inducement, fear or pressure would be treated as a serious offence under the law and strict action would be taken against those found guilty. He added that the police remain committed to ensuring the safety of all sections of society and maintaining communal harmony in the district.
