The Uttar Pradesh Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) has initiated an investigation into the alleged foreign funding network linked to individuals accused in a religious conversion case in Fatehpur district. The inquiry follows the arrest of Christian pastor Vijay Masih and several others who were accused of participating in activities aimed at converting Hindus to Christianity through inducements and other unlawful means.
The case first came to light in April when local police, acting on complaints filed by members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, conducted raids and arrested multiple individuals associated with a church in the Hariharganj area of Fatehpur. Complainants alleged that conversion activities were being carried out by offering incentives and influencing economically vulnerable people.
As part of the ongoing investigation, the ATS is examining the financial records of several accused persons to determine whether funds from foreign sources were used to support conversion activities. Authorities are reportedly scrutinizing bank accounts and financial transactions connected to the case. Investigators are also looking into possible administrative lapses and the role of certain individuals who may have had influence over the handling of earlier complaints.
According to police records, more than forty individuals linked to the church have been arrested since the investigation began. Pastor Vijay Masih was among those arrested after allegedly evading authorities for several months. Police claimed that he continued organizing religious gatherings during this period. During a raid, officers reportedly recovered identification documents and other materials that they considered relevant to the investigation.
The controversy attracted widespread attention after local Hindu organizations protested outside the church, alleging that large scale conversion activities were taking place. The police subsequently registered cases against numerous individuals and launched a broader inquiry.
The matter remains under investigation, and authorities continue to examine allegations relating to religious conversion, financial support networks, and other possible violations of law. Final conclusions will depend on the outcome of the ongoing legal and investigative process.