In a significant development, the Madhya Pradesh Police launched an operation to apprehend six individuals accused in a religious conversion and child abuse case in Damoh district. The action followed allegations that members associated with a Christian missionary organization were involved in converting vulnerable communities to Christianity through inducements and other unlawful means. Of the eight accused named in the case, two were arrested in New Delhi, while the remaining six were reported to have fled to Kerala.
The investigation began after a complaint was filed by Rajesh Ahirwar, a resident of Bhairavbihar village. The complaint alleged that the accused were conducting religious conversion activities and sexually exploiting minor girls. Following preliminary inquiries, the police registered a case under multiple legal provisions, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The matter gained further attention after the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) conducted inspections in Damoh. During its visit, the commission examined the functioning of a missionary institution and raised concerns regarding alleged conversion activities involving members of Dalit communities. The commission also received complaints regarding the treatment of minor girls and sought detailed reports from district authorities.
Several local residents claimed that they had converted to Christianity years earlier and alleged that some individuals connected with the missionary organization had engaged in inappropriate conduct. These allegations formed part of the broader police investigation.
The NCPCR subsequently issued notices to the District Collector and Superintendent of Police, requesting action taken reports and recommending further inquiries, including a cyber forensic investigation into organizations under scrutiny.
The case has also drawn attention because of previous allegations of religious conversion activities in Damoh. Earlier complaints involving local missionary organizations had resulted in investigations under the Juvenile Justice Act, the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, and other relevant laws. Authorities continue to investigate the matter, and the allegations remain subject to legal examination and judicial determination.