Clash in Chhattisgarh village over alleged conversion, cops file 2 FIRs

Chhattisgarh Police said they have registered 2 FIRs on cross-complaints filed by the two groups who clashed on Sunday.

Published on: Oct 10, 2022, 21:31:16 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

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RAIPUR: Members of two communities clashed in a village in Dhamtari district of Chhattisgarh over alleged religious conversion at a prayer meet on Sunday, officials said.

Chhattisgarh Police said they have registered cross-cases against both sides, who accused each other of disturbing peace in the village (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Police said two cross-cases have been registered that name 23 people on both sides.

Arujni police station house officer Gagan Bajpayee said the clash broke out in Devpur village on Sunday. “A member of one community was alleging that people from outside were coming to attend the ‘changai sabha’ (healing meeting) being held by some locals of the Christian community,” Bajpayee said.

Some people were injured in a scuffle that broke out between the two sides.

“The situation is under control now. We are investigating the case and arrests will follow soon,” the SHO said.

“The first FIR was registered on the complaint of one Pekhan Ram Nishad and… the second, on the complaint of one Rajendra Kumar Nishad. Both complainants are from an extended family but Rajendra now believes in Christianity,” said the SHO.

Representatives of the Christian community have expressed concern over an increase in attacks.

“Chhattisgarh is in the grip of sponsored persecution against the Christian community. The plain understanding is that persecution of minorities will result in the coagulation of Hindutva votes. Every Sunday when the Christians are praying, four-five churches are attacked in Chhattisgarh,” said Arun Pannalal, president of the Christian Community Forum of Chhattisgarh.

“In Sunday’s attack in Devpur, the Christian community members were beaten with sticks by armed villagers and not were allowed to enter the village. Many suffered injuries… Police have registered an FIR against the pastor for disturbing communal harmony,” Pannalal alleged.

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

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