Claude D'Souza | TNN
Udaipur: Police on Sunday arrested 11 individuals, including three pastors from Chhattisgarh, in connection with an alleged religious conversion drive targeting tribal families from approximately 20 villages in Udaipur district.
Details of the Arrests
The arrests followed a complaint regarding a gathering held on Saturday in Kanuwada Bilkhai village under Rishabhdev police station. DSP Rajeev Rahar stated that the arrests were based on allegations that local tribals were facing threats and inducements to convert to Christianity.
According to the complaint, villagers were allegedly promised financial assistance, relief from illnesses, and benefits such as wells and tubewells in their fields if they adopted Christianity. Complainant Nanalal alleged that he and his family were lured and pressured to change their religion.
Investigation and Evidence
Rishabhdev SHO Hemant Ahari said a prayer gathering had been ongoing in the village for two days under the leadership of local resident Babulal. People from more than 20 nearby villages had reportedly attended the event. “When police reached the spot on information provided by a villager, more than 200 people were found present. They were allegedly being motivated to abandon Hinduism and adopt Christianity,” Ahari said.
Police initially detained the 11 people on Saturday before formally arresting them on Sunday. Those arrested include Amit Kumar (43), Palash Gulhani (30), and Ashish Masih (32) from Chhattisgarh, as well as eight local residents. Authorities are examining their mobile phones, bank accounts, and sources of funding as part of the investigation.
