In a significant development from the border district of Sriganganagar, Rajasthan, police detained six individuals, including a foreign couple, on allegations of carrying out illegal religious conversions. The operation unfolded on Thursday night in the town of Srikaranpur, an area situated close to the sensitive India-Pakistan international frontier.
Details of the Detainees and the Incident
The police action took place at a rented house in Srikaranpur. Those taken into custody have been identified as German nationals Swan Baz Bat Jaler and his wife Sandra. The four Indian nationals detained alongside them are Santosh Varghese from Karnataka, Mathew from Kerala, Baljinder Singh Khosa, and Rajesh Kamboj alias Poppy.
Authorities revealed that the involvement of the foreign nationals came to light after security agencies flagged their recent movement. The German couple had reportedly visited an area close to the international border that falls under restricted zones. Such zones require prior authorization for access, especially for foreign citizens, making their presence there a serious security concern.
Security Concerns and Police Investigation
The unauthorized entry into the restricted area raised immediate red flags, prompting a deeper look into the activities of the group. Superintendent of Police Amrita Duhan confirmed that a formal case has been registered under the state's religious conversion law based on a complaint received by the police.
Senior officials expressed apprehension over the movement of foreigners in prohibited border regions. An investigation is now underway to determine if the accused visited other off-limits locations. Multiple agencies, including intelligence units, are expected to question the German nationals as part of the probe.
Scrutiny of Visas and Purpose of Visit
The police are meticulously examining several angles in this case. A key focus is on the visa conditions and travel history of the foreign detainees. Officials are probing the stated purpose of their visit to India and the reasons behind organizing a large gathering in a strategically sensitive location like Srikaranpur.
Interrogation of all six suspects is currently ongoing to unravel the full extent of their activities and connections. The case highlights the heightened vigilance in border districts regarding both unlawful religious activities and potential breaches of national security protocols.
