Lucknow: Sitapur police have arrested a man for allegedly attempting to entice impoverished families into converting to Christianity by offering financial assistance and medical support. The accused, identified as Surendra Kumar, also known as Surendra Massey, was apprehended following a raid on a prayer gathering in the Misrikh area of Sitapur district on Saturday.
Raid and Detentions
Acting on a tip-off, a police team raided a rented house in Thok locality where a prayer meeting was in progress. A total of 17 individuals, including Surendra, were detained during the operation. After questioning, 16 people were released, while a First Information Report (FIR) was lodged against the main accused. Police reported recovering copies of the Bible, candles, and other religious literature from the premises.
Background of the Accused
Circle Officer of Mishrikh, Brajesh Kumar, stated that preliminary inquiries suggest Surendra had been residing in the area for nearly three years. During this period, he allegedly organized regular prayer meetings attended by locals from Misrikh and surrounding villages. Surendra is also accused of posing as a pastor and claiming that conversion could resolve personal and medical problems.
The action followed complaints from members of a local organization, who alleged that conversion-related activities were being carried out at the rented accommodation. Police said the accused claimed to be originally from Ludhiana in Punjab and also had links in Bihar. Authorities are currently verifying his background, financial transactions, and possible connections with religious groups. Sources indicated that Surendra had also purchased a plot in Mishrikh, raising suspicion about his activities in the area.
Investigation Ongoing
Inspector of Mushrikh, Pradeep Kumar Singh, said efforts are underway to determine whether any coercion or organized conversion activity took place. “We learnt that in 2007, Surendra embraced Christianity after marrying a woman in Ludhiana. Surendra’s life improved and he started dealing in property. He also took contracts for demolition of dilapidated buildings and structures,” Singh added.
