The Uttar Pradesh Police arrested a Christian priest, Shyam Sundar, in Etawah district following allegations of involvement in unlawful religious conversion activities. The arrest was made after a complaint was filed by a local resident, prompting authorities to initiate an investigation into the matter.
According to police officials, a First Information Report was registered at the Bakewar Police Station under relevant provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act. Authorities stated that the complaint alleged that Shyam Sundar was engaging in religious conversion through illegal means. During the operation, police recovered certain documents from his possession, which were subsequently seized for examination as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police officials identified Shyam Sundar as a resident of Melath Kunatha village under the Bakewar area. However, they noted that he had been residing in a rented house in the Lakhana locality for the past three years. Investigators are currently examining the nature of his activities and attempting to determine whether other individuals may have been associated with him.
The complaint was filed by Dhiraj Tiwari, who alleged that the accused, a Christian convert, had been actively involved in conversion related activities in the region. Local reports suggested that Shyam Sundar regularly conducted prayer meetings at a church located in Nagla Milak village, where members of the community gathered for worship.
During preliminary questioning, the accused denied the allegations of unlawful conversion. He maintained that his role was limited to conducting prayer services and religious gatherings. According to his statement, individuals attending the church voluntarily donated money to support religious activities, and he denied engaging in any conversion related practices.
The police have stated that the investigation remains ongoing and that all allegations are being examined in accordance with the law. Authorities are reviewing the recovered documents and gathering additional evidence to determine the facts of the case. Any final conclusions regarding the allegations will depend upon the outcome of the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.