On 11th October, police officials in Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh, uncovered an organized Christian religious conversion racket operating in Ghunuwa village, under the jurisdiction of Raipura police station. The investigation began after activists from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal alerted local authorities about forced conversions taking place among poor Hindu families.

During the police raid, two accused individuals were detained, while a third suspect managed to escape. Officers also seized Christian religious literature and other materials linked to conversion efforts. Speaking to OpIndia, Bajrang Dal’s district co-convenor Shivendra Pratap Singh revealed a concerning trend in the region. He stated that “40% of poor Hindus in the region have already converted to Christianity.”

This revelation has raised major alarm among local residents and Hindu organizations, prompting fresh calls for stronger legal measures to curb religious conversions carried out through inducements and deceit.

Conversion operations traced in Ghunuwa village

According to media sources, Bajrang Dal district co-convenor Shivendra Pratap Singh received credible information about ongoing prayer meetings and conversion gatherings being held at the house of Bharat Verma in Ghunuwa village. Acting swiftly, Shivendra and his colleagues from VHP and Bajrang Dal reached the location and immediately informed the Raipura Police Station.

Police acted without delay and conducted a raid on Bharat Verma’s residence. As soon as the team arrived, several individuals tried to escape. Initially, the police detained seven people for questioning. After preliminary interrogation, four villagers were released, while three individuals were accused of offering money to locals to persuade them to embrace Christianity.

During the search, the police recovered notebooks and several religious materials related to Christian teachings. These items have been taken as evidence to support the ongoing investigation.

Villagers accuse missionaries of bribery and blasphemy

Following the police action, local villagers lodged a formal complaint. They accused Bharat Verma and Ramvishal, both residents of Ghunuwa, along with Mahesh, a native of Hatwa village under Mau police station, of attempting to convert Hindus through financial inducements and verbal abuse of Hindu gods.

According to the villagers, the accused had been pressuring them for nearly a year to accept Christianity. They organized prayer meetings and Bible storytelling sessions in the area to influence poor Hindu families. The complainants further alleged that the men not only offered money but also used derogatory language against Hindu deities, deeply hurting the sentiments of the villagers.

These repeated attempts to target the economically weaker sections of the Hindu community have sparked outrage and fear in Ghunuwa village and nearby regions.

“40% poor Hindus converted,” asserts Bajrang Dal leader Shivendra Pratap Singh

A written complaint filed by Shivendra Singh and Ashwini Tiwari of Bajrang Dal, accessed by OpIndia, stated that Bharat, in coordination with Ramvishal and Mahesh, had been conducting Christian prayer meetings for over a year. These gatherings allegedly aimed to convert poor Hindu families by offering them money and benefits. During such meetings, the accused reportedly insulted Hindu gods and goddesses while glorifying Jesus Christ.

In an exclusive conversation with OpIndia, Shivendra Pratap Singh made a strong statement, saying that several Christian and Islamist groups are operating conversion networks in the area. He said, “Around 40% of the local poor Hindu population has already converted to Christianity. We are working hard to do ‘ghar-wapsi’ for them.”

He continued, “Bajrang Dal has been taking action against these groups and individuals. Whenever we get a tip-off, we confirm that such prayer meetings are happening to coerce Hindus to convert to Christianity. Once confirmed, we approach the local police station for immediate action. In most of the cases, local police act swiftly and shut down these conversion rackets. Not only Christian groups but Muslim groups are also coercing Hindus to embrace Islam.”

Shivendra emphasized that community unity is essential, stating, “We are working extensively to stop conversions from happening. However, we alone cannot stop everyone. It is the duty of every local Hindu to come together and raise their voice against such activities in the region.”

He confirmed that an FIR has already been registered, and efforts are underway to track down the third accused who remains at large.

Police continue probe into conversion allegations

Inspector Vinod Shukla, the Station House Officer of Raipura Police Station, informed the media that two suspects—Bharat Verma and Ramvishal Savita—had been taken into custody for questioning. The third accused, Mahesh, managed to flee, and a search operation is in progress to locate him. The police are carefully examining the seized Christian literature and recording statements from the affected villagers.

Authorities have assured that strict legal action will follow once the allegations are confirmed through evidence. The case has stirred public debate in Chitrakoot, with right-wing groups demanding strong enforcement against what they describe as illegal conversion activities targeting poor Hindu families.

This latest incident adds to a growing list of similar complaints across Uttar Pradesh, highlighting the urgent need for vigilance and transparency in preventing forced or deceptive religious conversions.