New Delhi (Agency): In Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, a man has been taken into custody for reportedly converting 230 Dalit families to Christianity. Bajrang Rawat, a resident of Lucknow and a follower of the Christian faith, was apprehended after living on railway land in the area for a year. Authorities recovered several copies of the Bible and other Christian books from Rawat’s residence, indicating his involvement in religious activities.
The arrest came after a complaint was filed by Vijay Hindustani, an activist associated with a Hindu organization, from Haidergarh town. Hindustani alleged that he discovered numerous Hindu women at the location while visiting with other activists. According to the complaint, Rawat would entice impoverished individuals by offering to treat their ailments and then persuade them to convert to Christianity.
Local residents, according to Hindustani, attested to the benefits they received from Rawat’s treatments and stated that they would no longer visit temples. The complainant further accused Rawat and his family of influencing 230 Dalit families to convert to Christianity. Moreover, it was alleged that Rawat would take these families to Jalandhar under the pretense of providing medical treatment, where the conversions allegedly took place.
In response to the complaint, the police registered a case against Bajrang Rawat under the relevant sections of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. The authorities are also actively investigating the potential involvement of other individuals who may have assisted the accused in his activities.
The incident has brought attention to the ongoing debate surrounding religious conversions and the potential exploitation of vulnerable individuals. The Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, enacted in 2021, aims to regulate such conversions and prevent any undue influence or coercion.
As the investigation progresses, the police are expected to gather more evidence and testimonies to determine the extent of Rawat’s activities and identify any additional individuals involved in the alleged conversions. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding religious freedom while also protecting individuals from forced conversions or manipulation.