Barwas (Shahdol). A serious case of alleged religious conversion has come to light in Shahdol district of Madhya Pradesh. In Gudal Dang village of Barwas tehsil, there is an allegation of converting the villagers by luring them with Rs 25-25 thousand, better future and education of their children. Taking action, the police arrested three government teachers, a Patwari and a priest and sent them to jail in judicial custody.

According to the police, a prayer meeting was being organized on Sunday by illegally building a church on forest land. As soon as the information was received, a joint team of administration and police reached the spot and after investigation, action was taken after finding evidence to conversion.

These people were arrested

Bhujang Chand (Patwari) – posted in Gudal Dang area.

Virendra Kumar Tinki (Teacher) – Primary School

Anita Bhagat (Teacher) – Primary School

Rajpati Bai Tinki (teacher) – posted for 24 years

Pastor Ambi – active in the field for a long time

Investigation has revealed that the accused, while in government service for the last 24 to 27 years, were going from village to village to inspire people to convert to religion. The villagers were being lured with financial assistance, treatment, education and employment.

FIR registered on the complaint of Sarpanch

The Sarpanch of the Gram Panchayat lodged a complaint about the entire matter in the police station, after which a case was registered under the Madhya Pradesh Religious Freedom Act 2021. All the accused were presented in the court, from where they were sent to jail.

What does the law say

If convicted under the Religious Freedom Act, the punishment can be imprisonment of 2 to 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 50,000.

clear message from police

Police officials have said that if similar cases are reported from other areas of the district, more arrests will be made and strict legal action will be taken.

Cases increase only on the occasion of New Year
In fact, cases of conversion increase only on the occasion of New Year. Because between 15th December and 15th January, especially from Christmas to New Year, Christian community programs take place and during this time they include new people in Christianity in different ways.