Jaunpur Conversion Row: Police bust alleged illegal Christian religious gathering; FIR filed against several accused

Jaunpur: On April 5, the Jaunpur police reportedly uncovered an alleged Christian conversion racket in Babura village, located under the Badlapur police station area of Uttar Pradesh’s Jaunpur district.

An FIR was filed based on a complaint by a Hindu organisation. According to media reports, local activists had received information about a “prayer meeting” in the village, which they claimed was being used to convert Hindus to Christianity. Following the information, the activists approached the police and lodged a complaint. Acting promptly, the police conducted a raid at the location where the prayer meeting was underway. According to the complainants, the accused were allegedly attempting to persuade people to convert to Christianity through threats and inducements. Several individuals were subsequently detained for questioning.

The FIR was registered on the complaint of Satya Prakash, convener of Bajrang Dal in Jaunpur, under Sections 3 and 5(1) of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, along with Section 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The accused named in the FIR include Rajesh Gautam alias Sonu Gautam, Vinod Yadav alias Mindu, Nisha, Manju Gautam, Sheela Devi, Pramod, Vikas Maurya, and others.

According to Satya Prakash, his acquaintance Pramod had been suffering from a prolonged illness and did not find relief despite consulting multiple doctors. During this period, Pramod came into contact with one of the accused, Rajesh Gautam, at a hospital.

During their interaction, Pramod shared details of his illness with Rajesh. In response, Rajesh told him that a prayer meeting dedicated to Jesus was held at his house every Sunday, organised by his brother Harikesh Gautam along with their associate Vinod Yadav. He encouraged Pramod to attend, claiming that participation in the prayers could cure his ailments.

Later, Pramod informed Satya Prakash about the conversation, expressing suspicion that illegal religious conversions might be taking place at Rajesh’s residence. On April 5, Satya Prakash accompanied Pramod to the house, where they reportedly found several men and women gathered inside a room.

Satya Prakash further alleged that Vinod Yadav, also known as Mintu, was holding a Bible and delivering a sermon, during which he urged those present to adopt Christianity. He claimed that the speaker warned attendees that those who did not accept Christianity or take refuge in Jesus would continue to face suffering, misery, and poverty. He also alleged that inducements were offered during the gathering. According to the complaint, Rajesh Gautam alias Sonu, his wife Nisha, his sister-in-law Manju Gautam, Sheela Devi, Pramod (son of Ram Achhaivar Maurya), and Vikas Maurya were present and were supporting Vinod Yadav alias Mintu during the event.

After becoming convinced that an attempt was being made to convert Hindus, Satya Prakash stepped outside and alerted the police. When the police arrived at the spot, Vinod allegedly fled, leaving his motorcycle behind. Two others, identified as Pramod and Vikas, also reportedly escaped from the scene.

Satya Prakash claimed that similar incidents had occurred in the past, alleging that economically weaker sections were being lured into conversion. He said that organisations such as Bajrang Dal were actively working to counter such activities. He further remarked that the accused were exposed after approaching one of his acquaintances, adding that although the main accused initially escaped, he was later apprehended by the police.

Station House Officer Shesh Kumar Shukla stated that Vinod Yadav, also known as Mintu, fled along with Pramod and Vikas Maurya, leaving behind a Bullet motorcycle and a Bible at the scene. He added that efforts were ongoing to trace and apprehend all those involved.