4 held in Chhattisgarh for allegedly trying to convert tribals to Christianity

Four people, a priest and three pastors, were arrested in Jashpur district of Chhattisgarh under the state’s anti-conversion law

Published on: Dec 22, 2021, 09:26:42 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

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RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh Police have arrested a priest and three pastors for allegedly trying to convert some people to Christianity in the state’s Jashpur district, an officer said.

The Chhattisgarh Police said the four arrests were made on a complaint by a tribal committee in Jashpur district (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Police superintendent Vijay Agarwal said the four have been booked under Chhattisgarh’s anti-conversion law as well as the Indian Penal Code’s Sections 295 A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting religion or religious beliefs) and 34 (common intention).

“The accused, Father Arun Kujur and Pastors Basant Lakra, Salmon Tigga, and Dino Kujur, were arrested on a complaint of a tribal committee.” He added the four on Sunday and Monday allegedly tried to convert some tribals to Christianity.

Agarwal said Laku Ram, a tribal head, stopped the alleged conversion and filed a police complaint. “I sent a team of police with the local teshildar there and then a case was registered,” said Agarwal.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More