Arrests made in Bahraich over alleged attempted religious conversion

Lucknow: Authorities in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, have apprehended four individuals, including a man and his daughter, in a village near the Indo-Nepal border over religious conversion.

They are accused of attempting to entice Hindus to convert to Christianity, leading to their arrest as part of a police operation on Thursday. The police took action after receiving information about a plot to induce Hindus to embrace Christianity by offering monetary incentives.

They were detained during a raid conducted in Harkhapur village, falling under the jurisdiction of Murtiha police station.

Superintendent of Police Prashant Verma confirmed the operation, stating, "Information was received on Thursday that some people were planning to convert Hindus to Christianity by offering them money."

During the raid, the police arrested four suspects: Samtu and his daughter Lalsa Devi, as well as Mithai Lal and Jeevan Lal. The detainees are now facing legal proceedings as police have filed a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those related to disturbing religious sentiments, criminal intimidation, and rioting.

Instances of attempted religious conversion have previously been reported in regions neighboring the Indo-Nepal border. This incident follows a similar pattern observed in past cases. Just last month, law enforcement arrested 18 individuals in connection to two separate incidents of illegal religious conversion in the Nanpara and Murtiha Kotwali areas near the border.