Kannauj police exposed a gang involved in religious conversion activities in Gursahaiganj town. Officers arrested four people and recovered two Christian religious texts from their possession. According to police, the accused targeted poor and Dalit families, lured them with money, and threatened them to adopt Christianity.
Prayer gatherings used as a cover
The case came to light in the Ismailpur locality of Gursahaiganj. Police said the main accused, Malikhan Singh, organised so-called prayer meetings at his house. These gatherings appeared to be religious prayers but were actually used to persuade vulnerable families to change their faith. The group promised relief from illness and financial support if the families converted. Those who resisted faced threats.
Complaint by the victimâs wife exposed the plan
The incident surfaced after Sabina Nagar, wife of Vinod Nagar from Gandhinagar Nat locality, filed a complaint. She told police that Malikhan Singh had invited her to his house. When she reached, she found 13 to 14 people gathered. The hosts introduced one man as a devout Christian and told her that following Jesus would end her sufferings.
They promised her financial help and a better life if she converted, but warned her of misfortune and poverty if she refused. When Sabina opposed them, members of the group misbehaved with her. She immediately went to the police station and filed a written complaint.
Police raid and arrests
Acting on her complaint, a police team raided Malikhan Singhâs house. Inside, officers found 10 women and 4 men gathered under the guise of a prayer meeting. During questioning, the suspects admitted to motivating people for conversion.
Police arrested four accused: Gowda Prasad from Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradeshâs Godavari district, Malikhan Singhâs wife Mamta Shakya, Dharmendra Jatav from Saurikh, and Manju from Gorakhpurâs Gopalpur area.
Case registered
The police booked all four under Sections 3/5(1) of the Uttar Pradesh Illegal Religious Conversion Prohibition Act and Section 352 of the Indian Penal Code. The accused were later sent to jail.
Police statement on the incident
Superintendent of Police (SP) Vinod Kumar said the group had recently begun these activities. They kept religious texts in different languages and convinced people that faith in Christianity would cure diseases and bring prosperity. âThey lured families with money and threatened them if they refused to convert. All four accused are now behind bars,â he stated.
Police intervention exposed an organized attempt to influence and convert poor families in Kannauj. Authorities confirmed that strict surveillance will continue to prevent such forced religious conversions in the district.
