On April 5, law enforcement in Jaunpur district, Uttar Pradesh, intervened in an alleged operation to convert individuals to Christianity in Babura village, within the Badlapur police jurisdiction. Officials filed a formal complaint based on information provided by a Hindu group. Reports indicate that members of the Hindu community became aware of a gathering described as a prayer session intended to encourage Hindus to switch faiths.
The group notified the police, who then conducted a raid on the site. According to the complainants, those involved were using coercion and incentives to persuade attendees to convert. Multiple suspects were taken into custody for interrogation. Details from the official complaint were reviewed by OpIndia.
The complaint alleges that participants were told they would remain in hardship and poverty unless they converted. The case was initiated by Satya Prakash, a leader from Bajrang Dal in Jaunpur, under provisions of the Uttar Pradesh law against illegal religious conversions and related sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The accused include Rajesh Gautam (also known as Sonu Gautam), Vinod Yadav (also known as Mindu), Nisha, Manju Gautam, Sheela Devi, Pramod, Vikas Maurya, and others.
According to the Uttar Pradesh police, the incident stemmed from an encounter involving Pramod, who had been dealing with a prolonged health issue without successful treatment from medical professionals. While at a hospital, Pramod discussed his condition with Rajesh Gautam, one of the suspects.
Rajesh reportedly informed Pramod about weekly prayer sessions at his home, led by his brother Harikesh Gautam and associate Vinod Yadav. He suggested that attending could lead to healing through Jesus. Pramod shared this with Satya Prakash, raising concerns about potential unauthorized conversions. On April 5, Satya Prakash accompanied Pramod to the location.
