Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh: A Christian preacher was arrested by police in Pilibhit district of Uttar Pradesh over allegations of attempting illegal religious conversions in Jograjpur village. Police officials said the accused was allegedly trying to influence local residents by offering promises of material and personal benefits in exchange for changing their religion.
The accused, identified as Anokhe Singh, a resident of Moradabad district, was arrested on Monday following a complaint submitted by a local RSS worker, Gaurav Gupta. Police said that a case was registered late on Sunday evening at Sehramau North police station under relevant sections of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, along with provisions related to criminal intimidation and intentional insult.
According to the police complaint, Singh was allegedly conducting conversion-related activities in Jograjpur village and attempting to persuade people by making promises such as government employment opportunities and marriage with a “beautiful girl” after conversion. Police alleged that such assurances were being used as inducements to encourage people to abandon their existing faith.
Superintendent of Police Sukirti Madhav Mishra confirmed the arrest and said that further investigation into the matter was underway. Authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged activities and are also looking into the accused’s financial sources and possible links with a larger network.
The case has brought renewed attention to allegations of religious conversions through inducements in Uttar Pradesh. Hindu organizations have frequently raised concerns that economically vulnerable sections of society can be targeted through promises of employment, financial assistance, education, healthcare and other benefits. They argue that such practices undermine genuine religious freedom by influencing individuals through economic pressure.
Supporters of strict enforcement of anti-conversion laws maintain that these laws are intended to prevent fraudulent or forced conversions while protecting vulnerable communities from exploitation. The Uttar Pradesh government introduced the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act to take action against conversions allegedly carried out through force, fraud or undue influence.
However, Christian organizations have often rejected allegations of systematic conversion activities and have argued that religious gatherings, prayer meetings and social service efforts are sometimes misrepresented as unlawful conversion attempts. They maintain that individuals have the constitutional right to practice and propagate their religion voluntarily.
Police officials in Pilibhit have stated that the investigation will determine the facts of the case. As part of the inquiry, authorities are examining the alleged promises made during the gatherings, the source of any financial support, and whether other individuals were involved.
The arrest of Anokhe Singh is the latest in a series of cases in Uttar Pradesh involving allegations of illegal religious conversion, highlighting the continuing debate between concerns over religious freedom and efforts to prevent conversions carried out through alleged inducements.