ALLEGATIONS OF CONVERSION UNDER THE GUISE OF EXORCISM

ALLEGATIONS OF CONVERSION UNDER THE GUISE OF EXORCISM

28-FEB-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------In Ara, Bhojpur district, a commotion erupted in Chatar village, under the Barhara police station area. Allegations of religious conversion under the guise of exorcism and distribution of religious books from Nepal were made. Women clashed with the police who arrived on the information. After investigation, the police denied any religious conversion.

Reports of a commotion over alleged religious conversion have emerged from Ara, Bhojpur district, Bihar. The incident occurred in Pakriya Tola, Chatar village, under the Barhara police station area, where the atmosphere became tense on Monday. It is alleged that a man known as "Pani Wale Baba" was encouraging innocent people to convert to other religions under the guise of exorcism. It is also being said that he was bringing religious books related to other religions from Nepal and distributing them among people and talking about conversion.

Local residents and Bajrang Dal workers became aware of this and informed the police. Upon receiving the information, the Barhara police station arrived at the scene and began an investigation. Police detained some suspicious individuals and attempted to interrogate them.

Meanwhile, the women present at the scene began protesting the police action. The situation quickly escalated. A heated exchange and scuffle ensued between the police and the women. Women in the crowd freed the detained individuals. Following the incident, tension and discussion prevailed in the area. The police have launched an investigation into the matter.

Ara Sadar SDPO-2, Ranjit Singh, stated that the police received information that some individuals were engaging in suspicious activity among the women. When the police arrived, they discovered that two men from the Christian community were praying to the Lord Jesus with the women. He stated that the investigation has not revealed any evidence of religious conversion. The SDPO also stated that given the prevailing atmosphere, police are on high alert in the area and monitoring the situation. At present, the police are seriously investigating the matter. Following the incident, various discussions are taking place in the village, but the conversion has not been officially confirmed